A Final Dance with Courtney, Charli and Indaria
This year, En Pointe Dance Studio says goodbye to three of its stars – Courtney, Charli and Indaria. They’ve spent years growing, dancing and making lifelong memories here, but now it’s time for them to move on to new adventures. From tough rehearsals to amazing performances, these dancers have left their mark. And while they’re stepping off our stage, their stories are far from over.
Courtney Till
At 17, Courtney has been dancing at En Pointe for 13 years, starting when she was just four. Her earliest memory? A funny one – during a performance of The Wizard of Oz, her butterfly wings got tangled, and she was more focused on fixing them than scaring the main characters. “I couldn’t stop laughing,” she recalls.
Over the years, Courtney’s gone from being a quiet, shy dancer to one bursting with confidence. “My proudest moment was being trusted to help guide the younger dancers,” she says, reflecting on her growth into a leader at the studio.
But it wasn’t all easy. She faced moments of self-doubt, but the support from her En Pointe whānau got her through. “The friendships I’ve made here are for life,” she adds.
As Courtney heads off to the UK, she plans to keep dancing and carry the lessons she’s learned with her. Her advice to younger dancers? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just have fun.”
Charli Thackray
At 18, Charli has spent six unforgettable years at En Pointe. “Walking up those stairs was terrifying for 12-year-old me, but I fell in love with the studio right away,” she remembers. Shy at first, Charli found her voice and confidence through dance.
Her proudest moments? Definitely playing Shaggy in Scooby-Doo in 2020 and the centipede in James and the Giant Peach. “That role will always have a special place in my heart,” she says. Charli’s biggest dance highlight was her last jazz solo, where she felt how far she’d come from her early performances.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing – Charli faced knee problems that started in 2021. “I’ve had to strap them up, and it’s been tough at times,” she admits. Still, with the support of her friends, especially her ballet squad, the ‘OGs’, she pushed through.
Now, Charli’s looking to the future, with hopes of teaching and attending a summer dance camp in the US. Her advice to new dancers? “Have fun and make the most of every moment – because nothing lasts forever.”
Indaria Bainbridge-Davies
At 18, Indaria has spent an incredible 17 years dancing at En Pointe. “The bonds I’ve made here, especially with the younger students, are so special,” she says, reflecting on the connections that have shaped her.
Her dancing journey has been a mix of excitement and nerves, but the friendships she’s built – filled with laughter, making TikToks and sharing cake – are memories she’ll cherish forever. “Every moment with my friends has been joyful,” she adds.
Indaria admits it wasn’t always easy. “Watching others master different skills at different times was tough,” she says, but learning to embrace her own journey helped her push through those moments of self-doubt.
Next year, Indaria heads to Christchurch to study full-time dance and performing arts. She hopes to inspire future generations, saying, “I want to help kids grow and cherish their memories, just like I have.”
Her advice for new dancers? “Try everything and give it your all.” And to her younger self: “Keep dancing – and stretch more!”
Courtney, Charli and Indaria now step into new chapters, carrying the passion, resilience and friendships they built at En Pointe. They’ve grown up within our dance whānau, and now it’s their turn to pass on that spirit wherever life takes them. We know their love for dance will continue to shine, inspiring others just as they’ve inspired us. Thank you for the unforgettable memories – and here’s to all the adventures ahead!
En Pointe Dance Studio Whitianga proudly presents:
Seusstastical
Saturday, December 7th
& Sunday, December 8th
Tickets available mid-November at:
enpointedancestudio.co.nz
Words by En Pointe Dance Studio Whitianga
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