Tap duo earn world championship call-up

Two young Marlborough tap dancers are preparing to take their talent to the world stage after earning spots on the New Zealand Tap Dance Team.

Marlborough Tap Studio students Elaine Huang, 11, and Theodore McFadden, 16, have been selected to represent New Zealand at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Prague in October 2027.

The pair secured places in the 21-member team after submitting audition videos and biographies, joining dancers from across the country.

For Theodore, the selection came sooner than expected.

“I was stoked. I can’t wait to meet all the amazing people who are all interested in the same thing as me. It means so much. I am so proud of myself and I know lots of people around me are proud as well. I love dancing to the music and trying to ‘feel’ the story I’m trying to tell.”

Elaine says performing and creating rhythms through tap dancing is what she enjoys most.

“What I love most about tap are the unique rhythms and performing onstage. I am really looking forward to performing, supporting my teammates, and meeting tap dancers from all over the world.”

Although both will compete for New Zealand, they will perform in separate male and female divisions.

The pair say having a fellow Marlborough dancer alongside them will make the experience easier.

“Elaine is a great dancer and really deserves this opportunity,” Theodore says. “I think it will be great having each other through the process.”

“It’s really exciting and special to have Theodore go with me to Prague,” Elaine says. “It will make me a lot less nervous knowing there is someone I know there, and we can support and cheer each other on.”

The self-funded trip will see both dancers travel with caregivers, before joining New Zealand’s latest team at the world championships.