The 20-year-old has danced the stage of the Manning Entertainment Centre countless times in Taree Arts Council productions, Taree and District Eisteddfods and Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance concerts.

However late last year in her last concert for the dance school Mikayla had to say goodbye.

"It was really hard to say goodbye, everyone was crying," Mikayla said.

Mikayla was not only a student at Andrea's, but a teacher for two years following finishing her schooling at Taree Christian College.

In 2014 she starred as the main character Elle Woods in the school's rendition of Legally Blonde and featured in last year's performance of Chicago and Jungle Book.

Mikayla also ventured with the school to Los Angeles to perform at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios and on Hollywood Boulevard in 2015.

"It was unbelievable," she said.

Mikayla said her experience dancing abroad ignited her interest in one day dancing on cruise ships around the world.

More recently, Mikayla and Cassie Fenton assisted in choreography of Taree Arts Council's production of Mary Poppins.

"It was great to learn from Amanda Hammond, the head choreographer," she said.

Mikayla will complete a diploma in dance at Lee Academy and she is also considering adding on a diploma of musical theatre.

Mikayla's first taste of musical theatre was in 2013 when she featured in Taree Arts Council's production of Cabaret as a Kit Kat Klub dancer.

This will be Mikayla's first time living away from home and as daunting as leaving it might be, she said she is ready to go.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges."

laura.polson@fairfaxmedia.com.au