Congratulations to Taylah Pratt and Alysha Gill who recently received Modern Dance Solo nominations to compete in the 2021 National Young Performer of the Year awards as part of the Performing Arts Competitions Association of NZ.

Despite COVID resulting in them having to perform under restrictions which meant no audience, the girls danced beautifully at the Create the Bay Competition and can be incredibly proud of their resilience and adversity during these trying times.

Sadly within days of their nomination with heavy hearts the PACANZ Board announced the postponement till 2022.

The National Young Performer Awards have been running since 1977 and are the pinnacle of achievement for Performing Artists in New Zealand as the awards represent eight of the art-forms traditionally covered in the competitions movement (Ballet, Tap Dance, Vocal, Pianoforte, Modern Dance, Highland Dance, Instrumental, Speech & Drama, Troupes).

Sadly our Year 13's will be unable to attend in 2022 and we know this will be disappointing for Taylah, Alysha and Grace.

The Tauranga Girls’ College Nominees who hope to attend in 2022 include:

Modern Solo Nominees:

• Grace Gill (Year 13)
• Ajah Cameron (Year 12)
• Ayva McOnie (Year 11)

Troupe Nominees:

• Alysha Gill (Year 13)
• Ajah Cameron (Year 12)
• Ayva McOnie (Year 11)
• Dillyn Shine (Year 11)
• Grace Gill (Year 13)
• Jemma dos Santos (Year 12)
• Taylah Pratt (Year 13)

Instrumental Nominees:

• Grace Tak (Year 12)
• Sarah Sumin Lee (Year 12)