Kirsty Scholtz is no stranger to a sewing machine.
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This September her talents will go to good use, making costumes for the Ausdance Youth Festival.
The annual event is a non-competitive celebration of dance that attracts more than 1000 dancers each year.
The performance is a highlight of the secondary school calendar for the dancers, who come from ACT and NSW high schools and colleges.
The spectacular show will be held at Canberra Theatre over three consecutive days from September 17.
Ms Scholtz has been working her fingers to the bone making more than 40 costumes for the show.
Ms Scholtz, a former dance teacher, said the job opportunity came from being at the right place at the right time.
“My daughter, Ayla was in the production of Boundless with the Quantum Leap Ensemble last month and worked under artistic director Ruth Osborne,” Ms Scholtz said.
“She (Ruth) was the reason I became such a dedicated dancer when I was 12 years old and for me she is the dancing queen, she is the reason I danced.
“She actually suggested I get involved in the Quantum Leap Ensemble by making some of the costumes voluntarily while Ayla was involved.”
Ms Scholtz previously owned a dance wear shop in Batemans Bay and is no stranger to sewing tulle for a tutu, however she said the task was a challenge as the Quantum Leap Ensemble including mature dancers in their 60s and 70s.
“It was a challenge because many of the dancers were mature and the costumes are not about glitter or frills,” she said.
“But the opportunity has opened so many doors and now I’m being paid to do this festival.”