Two students from the Port Douglas Academy of Performing Arts have proved that passion, persistence, and determination along with a lot of hard work pay off.

Ashton Lash and Ruby Draper who have attended PDAPA (previously Choreography by Nelle) for nearly a decade recently sat for their very first dance exams in Atherton.

Thanks to the tuition of Nicola Leonardi the girls both passed their first exams with flying colours. Ashton sat Grade 8 and Ruby sat Grade 3 and the results were outstanding.

Principal of PDAPA Nelle Jenkins couldn't be prouder of her students.

“It’s funny, when both girls signed up with me nearly ten years ago I instantly knew that they had that special ‘something’. They were born performers.

“As the R.A.D (Royal Academy of Dance ) syllabus is one of the most widely used in the world it has led to R.A.D becoming a leading dance education and training organisation and we are lucky enough to have finally found the perfect teacher, trainer and mentor for our students. The day Nicky called me was a day that changed the lives of many of our students."

Ms Leonardi said dance in North Queensland is alive and well and contains a wealth of young talent.

“The girls work is a testament to the talent that North QLD fosters in the dance industry. I am so proud of the girl’s work ethic, improvement and achievement.

"These girls have chosen to use their passion and dedication to take what was a hobby to a career. The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus is London based and it is a world recognized grading system. The results these girls achieved puts both of them in the top 25% in the ballet industry, world wide for their age.”