A young Tasmanian dancer is competing on the world stage in the United States, impressing millions on America’s Got Talent.
Sophie Newett, who trains at Brent Street Performing Arts in Sydney, has made it through to the semi-finals of the popular talent show in a group with other students from the prestigious Australian academy.
Over 250 people from Brent Street’s two-year full time program auditioned to be a part of the America’s Got Talent opportunity and only 30 made the team.
Newett spoke to Local Radio about her journey so far, the pressures of performing live and the challenges of creating new choreography for each round.
“It has been quite stressful as we’ve had to come up with a few different versions of the dance and adjust it so it’s incredible for camera as well as the judges watching it live,” Newett said.
“We currently got through the quarterfinals and we’re on to the semifinals where 12 competitors compete for six spots in the grand final.”
Newett said she has had “so many different rehearsals” on the stage.
She says her routines fare fast-paced and the dancers in her group all look similar with their slicked-back buns, so viewers may have to keep an eye out for her.
Newett moved to Sydney with her mum several years ago to pursue her dream at Brent Street.
“My mum said ‘Okay I’m gonna move with my daughter to Sydney so she can follow her dream’,” she said.
Newett hopes to become a professional dancer after completing her training and perform backup for artists around the world or in musicals.
The semi-finals of America’s Got Talent will air on Thursday at 10am AEST.
