Cronulla dancer is determined to shine
A little tidbit from Australia’s National Rugby League. Looks like reality tv is snapping up pro sports dancers down under…
By Eva Tejszerski
St. George Leader
10/02/2009
Chanelle Johnson of Cronulla will do everything it takes to prove to Australia she can dance.
And she is one step closer to that goal after making it into the nation’s hottest new reality television show.
The lyrical contemporary dancer was the first entrant to secure a place in the top 100 of this year’s So You Think You Can Dance.(Aussie version)
A trained gymnast, Ms Johnson started “dancing” at her mother’s dance school even before she could walk.
But when she was 10, doctors found a curve in her spine.
“`After I was told I had scoliosis, a specialist said I would need to wear a brace for two years and would need an operation, but I kept dancing [instead],” she said.
“Now, because I am so fit and flexible, dancing has helped build strength in my back muscles.”
When she’s not carving up the dance floor, Ms Johnson cheers in the Cronulla Sharks Mermaids cheer squad, and jets across Australia as a flight attendant.
She auditioned for the TV series when it premiered in 2008, making it into the top 50 before being knocked out of the competition.
This time she hopes her moves will take her further.
“I want to show myself that no matter what, I can make it.”
