The 10-year-old now has another reason to smile after being recognised as the most outstanding junior from 36 finalists at a State ballet competition.

Coco, from Old Bar, was announced the recipient of the Prudence Bowen Memorial Award during the presentations of the Joan and Monica Halliday Awards, held in Sydney by the Royal Academy of Dance.

Her prize included $1200 towards her tuition fees at the Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance (ARAD), on top of a medal and certificate she received for being a finalist.

"I felt really special," said Coco of the announcement. "At first I didn't know what the award was. It seemed nice to get a mention from the adjudicator."

She was chosen out of the ballet dancers from across New South Wales who competed in the finals in grades three, four and five (Coco was in grade four).

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The one-off award was funded by the adjudicator and isn't normally part of the presentation, meaning the announcement came as a surprise for Coco, her mum and her dance principal Andrea Rowsell, who were sitting in the audience.

"I shed a little tear," said Andrea. "I knew in the class Coco looked lovely and held her own. I wasn't surprised she was acknowledged in some way."'

The award has meaning for Andrea, who was taught by Prudence Bowen briefly.

"It's sort of extra special because I know the lady very well and she found a place in my heart," she said. "I think she taught the adjudicator as well."

Coco was one of six ARAD students to make the finals of the State level Royal Academy of Dance competitions.

Mahalia Adamson, Mia Paske and Wil Hellstedt made the finals of the Isobel Anderson Memorial Awards, while Coco, along with Jasinta Birchall and Esther Smith, were finalists in the Joan and Monica Halliday Awards (for younger students).

"They all really loved the day. I'm really proud. They are so supportive of each other and happy for each other," said Andrea.

It was the second time Coco had competed at the awards, last year making the semi-finals.

She enjoyed the experience of the finals, which saw her competing with 11 other dancers in her grade.

"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be. I went on stage and did what I did in the studio and tried to project to the audience."

Coco started dancing when she was two-and-a-half and does classes in ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary.

"I just like the movement and how you can express yourself through dancing and I like the challenge. That's what makes it fun because it's hard."

She attends classes six days a week, including additional classes in intermediate foundation classes, which is above her current grade five level.

She names ballet as her favourite style.

"I like it. Every time I go into class I try to work harder and harder."

Coco is now busily preparing for the dance section of the Taree and District Eisteddfod.

"I'm doing my solos and groups as well as two championships. I have three new solos and four new groups."

On top of dancing, the year six student at the Manning Valley Anglican College also enjoys playing touch football and basketball, and sometimes does netball, swimming and athletics.

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