Dancer Icey on Fire

A 12-year-old dancer has been dominating competitions and making her first steps onto the silver screen.

Blenheim dancer Icey Bradley-Kiwi began dancing two years ago.

But already she has danced her way to 10 wins, one second place and contributed to Marlborough Academy of Dance’s crew successes.

Icey says she hopes her dancing inspires others.

“I love being able to inspire other young people to get out there, give it a go and follow their dreams too.”

Overall division victory at July’s Evolution Dance Competition Regionals in Nelson qualified Icey for January’s Evolution Finals on the Gold Coast.

She also placed first at the New Zealand Dance Awards, Impact Dance Competition finals, Shakedown and the Velocity Dance Competition Grand Prix.

“I have only been dancing for two years now so flying over to compete in Australia is very exciting and a dream come true,” Icey says.

The Kurahaupō waka descendent also starred in Bringing Mere Home, Marlborough’s first locally made film selected for the New Zealand International Film Festival this year.

Her whānau and the dance team are her motivation and strength, Icey says.

“They’re my biggest supporters, with the love, help and support they give me sharing my love of performing.”

“Hana Morris, my incredibly talented independent Kiwi choreographer and mentor has been amazing with all her support, creativity and making the time to train me.

“Jhustle Clothing has been amazing for their support supplying custom fits for competitions, and the Marlborough Academy of Dance whānau has been so supportive.”

When she’s not performing, Icey’s is focusing on her studies at Bohally Intermediate.

Last year she won the Year 7 Academic Achievement award, with excellence in Te reo Māori and kapahaka, and the speech competition.

“Icey’s a very shy, modest, and humble young woman who does all these wonderful things and not say a thing at school or dance unless someone else does”, says her mother, Blaise.

Marlborough Academy of Dance coach Fleur Hebberd says Icey’s work ethic is much admired.

“Icey’s an inspiration to students at MAD and on social media – she’s super kind and humble, and we are lucky to have her.

“She has extremely supportive whānau behind her, and I can’t wait to see her chase dreams, as she will definitely reach them.”

Follow Icey’s dance journey at @iceyb.kiwi.moves