Ariana’s an amazing superstar!

Ariana standing proudly at the Hay sign, displaying her impressive collection of Highland Dancing trophies. Image: Kylie Kerr.

By Kimberly Grabham

Ariana Meads is just eight years old. Eight months ago, this little dynamo picked up Highland Dancing, and like many things she has picked up, she ran with it.

Competing in dancing competitions against others her age, but who have been dancing for years, she thrives.

She loves all aspects of dancing, the different dances; Fling, Sword, Lilt and Flora, and loves travelling away to different places to compete. She also likes the different costumes, saying that different dances sometimes require a different costume.

Ariana recently enjoyed being immersed in the Scottish Culture, attending and competing in her first ever competition at the recent Hayland Gathering.

“She practises a lot, and even talks through particular dances in the car,” Hunter Meads, Ariana’s father said with a laugh.

“When we go to bed at night, Kayla, her mum and I have bagpipes ringing in our ears.”

Ariana’s name appears in the sports section of the Grazier frequently, with her also beginning League Tag this year with the Junior Magpies, competing in swimming, Little Athletics, and tennis.

When she is not busy with her various sporting pursuits, Ariana revels in Maths at school, and writing at Hay Public School.

“I enjoy maths because every time we learn maths, we get to know more than we did before, and I like writing because I get to write about something different every time,” Ariana said.

“Kayla and I are very proud of all our children, and Ariana, who has found something she truly enjoys, and is very good at,” Hunter said.

Ariana admires her teacher, ‘Miss Kylie’, Kylie Kerr, and is grateful she came to Hay as she gets to learn something she may have not learnt otherwise.

Congratulations, Ariana!

You are one of Hay’s superstars, and should be proud of your efforts, and your ability to try something and become a rockstar in it in no time.