He's from a city known for rugby league, but Zai is taking on the world in pursuit of a ballet career

A Townsville teenager beats thousands of international dancers to take up a position at one of the world's most prestigious ballet academies.

A Townsville teenager has beaten thousands of international dancers to take up a position at one of the world's most prestigious ballet academies.

The application process began in December 2021 via video, with the teenager later invited to London for the final round of intense and "nerve-wracking" auditions.As a male dancer of Caribbean heritage, achieving his dream has had its challenges — especially in a regional city. "It's been really wonderful to watch him bloom and progress and, of course, I'm super proud of how he's adapted to everything he's faced over the years dancing."

Dance teacher and co-director of the Ann Roberts School of Dancing Jane Pirani says there continues to be a stigma around male dancers, despite their talents.

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