Dancer with scoliosis selected for world’s most prestigious ballet competition

Mosman Ballerina, Naomi Sano, 15, has been selected for the international Prix de Laussane competition.

IDENTICAL twins and ballet dancers Naomi and Arisa Sano of Mosman have spent two years in back braces, but it has not dented their spirit and courage.

Now Naomi has been selected for the world’s most prestigious ballet competition — a remarkable achievement for a ballerina who, like her twin, suffers from scoliosis or curvature of the spine.

Naomi will leave for Switzerland in February to compete in the Prix de Lausanne, which opens doors to international scholarships and ballet companies.

“Arisa is pleased for Naomi. They are very supportive of each other,” said their mother Tomoko Sano.

Arisa and Naomi Sano performing at the Mosman Dance Academy annual concert called Cirque de la Danse in 2013.

The twins have taken ballet lessons since they were five years old.

The 15-year-olds were only allowed to remove the back braces for two hours a day, which they devoted only to ballet practice.

The braces were finally removed last July but Arisa will be unable to audition in Switzerland as she fights through further treatment for her scoliosis.

Jasmin Bobyk, holding seven-week-old Scarlett Mcdougall, with Naomi (left), Arisa Sano and toher young dancers at Mosman Dance Academy.

Since they started ballet at five years old, the twins have lit up the stage in front of thousands at competitions like the Sydney Eisteddfod/

Naomi said she was passionate about ballet and the scoliosis only made her more determined.

“It’s just this feeling inside when I dance,” she said.

Fortunately for the girls, doctors have approved of ballet as one of the best medicines for scoliosis, particularly as an aid for posture.

Cooper Gridland Hayes, 17, of Cammeray has also been selected for the Prix de Lausanne.

Naomi will leave for Switzerland in February to compete in the Prix de Lausanne.


Source: Daily Telegraph, 9th Jan 2015