Entrants continued to showcase the hours of effort put in to perfecting their techniques and routines as they twirled through day five of the nine-day Launceston Festival of Dance yesterday.

Often, it’s more than just one performance too.

Dancing in the 8 years solo classical dance section on Tuesday was Eliza Kitto, 9, of the Kim Roe School of Dance.

Eliza has been dancing since she was five, and competed in the festival for the second time this year across the solo classical, contemporary, and jazz sections.

Her efforts landed her first place in the solo eight years classic section on Tuesday, and the solo jazz section on Monday.

But really, it’s the thrill of being on stage that Eliza enjoys the most.

“It’s fun when you go on stage because it’s just you and people watching you,” she said.

There is plenty of hard work behind the mere minutes spent in the spotlight, with training taking place three nights a week all year round – except during school holidays.

“There’s a lot of lessons,” she added.

“Normally on weekends we did lessons.”

Wrapping up the eight years classical section on Tuesday, adjudicator Nicky Manego praised all the “budding ballerinas” in the group of eight.

“Your classical technique is progressing well,” she added.

Rounding out the top three in the group were Poppy Gourlay and Ivy McCullagh of Dance Academy 34, both also nine-years-old. 

For Ivy – who also performed in the Monday jazz section – ballet is her favourite genre, but dance has played a part in her life for many years now.

“Since I was three,” she said.

“I enjoy getting up on stage and trying the best that I can.”

The act itself is by far the biggest drawcard for Poppy, too.

“I like just competing and getting up there and having fun,” she said.

When the curtain closes on Saturday night, around 730 dancers will have graced the stage in Launceston’s biggest annual dance competition.  

The performances will continue daily from 8.30am until Saturday and finish with awards ceremony.

Tickets are available at the door.

While you're with us, did you know you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.