Baldivis dancer’s tiny stature puts her on path to Disney

Millions of young girls around the world dream of being a Disney Princess and for one 14-year-old from Baldivis that could become a reality all thanks to her tiny stature.

But don’t be fooled by Kiara White’s height or think it a disadvantage for it belies the incredible athleticism, stamina and aerobic fitness she possesses as a highly-regarded dancer.

So regarded, in fact, Kiara has an open invitation to attend New York’s prestigious Joffrey Ballet School until the age of 25.

“I’ve been dancing for 11 or 12 years, as long as I can remember really,” she told the Sound Telegraph.

“I’m obsessed, it’s like a second lifestyle. I train six days a week. Saturday is my only day off because I work Sundays.

“On Mondays and Fridays I train at WAAPA’s Propel Dance and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I am at Beverley Margaret School of Dance.”

The Baldivis Secondary College student said she loves the way dancing allows her to “zone out”, although she admits to some annoyance when school friends tell her dancing isn’t sport.

“When I get into the zone I feel like I’m the only one in the room,” she said.

“Even in training, I zone out and treat it like a performance. Training so often I do get sore but I’m committed to this path so I push through it. I never make excuses not to dance. If my ankle hurts I don’t think of it as an injury, I think ‘where will getting through this pain take me?’

“People at school say that dance isn’t a sport or exercise but it takes so much work. You don’t know what goes into it when you’re watching someone dance because they make it look easy. We can make it look beautiful and we’re always smiling, unlike athletes in other sports who make faces when they exert themselves.”

Dance teacher Beverley Margaret said her student had “the potential to have an incredible career”.

“Kiara is perfect for Disney. She will be a Disney Princess because of her size. She’s the perfect stature for what they’re usually looking for,” she said.

“She also has an open invitation to the Joffrey school, which she was offered at 12 which is unheard of.”

Kiara was also awarded a scholarship to attend the Australian Dance Festival in Sydney in September, after being nominated by Ms Margaret.

“She is the kid who doesn’t go to parties or out with friends as there is often a dance commitment she needs to fill or her junior classes to teach on weekends, always done with a smile as dance is her happy place,” Kiara’s mum Michelle said.

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby provided financial assistance for Kiara to travel to Sydney.