Zara Glover, of Garston, is the new Under-16 champion after winning the New Zealand Highland and National Dancing Championships 2022 in Palmerston North last week, the biggest event of its kind in the country, attended by 208 competitors.

Glover competed against 28 other contestants in all 10 categories in her age group, winning 5 of them, with 2 second and 2 third placings.

Glover started learning highland dancing at a very young age and has been competing since the age of five. Now a boarding student at Dunedin's Columba College, she attends dancing lessons twice a week, with support from college staff who organise her transport.

Garston highland dancer Zara Glover on the winners podium following her being named New Zealand under-16 champion. Photo: Supplied

Her dance teacher, Lynette Mitchell of Mosgiel, has taught Glover since she was seven years old and describes her as “an absolutely delightful, very dedicated, hardworking, focused, bright and bubbly person with a wonderful attitude”. 

“She’s travelled extensively all over the country to attend different dancing competitions, but this is definitely a highlight of her dancing experience so far. It opens an opportunity for Zara to apply to join The Highland Dance Company of New Zealand. I feel very pleased and proud of her achievement. She has a great dancing future,” Mitchell said.

Glover admits that going to Palmerston North for the championships was a very exciting experience.

“I was nervous, but a little bit of nervousness is good. I really enjoyed dancing on a big stage in front of a big audience. It was good to see all my dancing friends from all over the country too.”

When she stood on top of the podium, she found the realisation of winning the championships a little overwhelming at first.

“It was amazing to finally achieve my goal, but it took a while for it to sink in,” she said.

Garston highland dancer Zara Glover competing on stage. Photo: Supplied

Her mum Sandra Glover, who teaches highland dancing and was Zara’s first teacher, is also very proud of her daughter winning the National Championships.

 “We had to pinch ourselves, because we couldn’t believe it. We were so happy. We just enjoy dancing and don’t worry about winning awards, but Zara said to me “I’ve dreamt of winning it, and now I’ve done it!”,” Mrs Glover said.

Glover is a busy girl. Apart from her twice weekly highland dancing lessons, she goes over her dance routines and corrections with her mum whenever she has time. Her other interests include ballet classes, which she attends once a week, and long-distance running (1500m and 3000m).

Her next challenge is entering the National Young Performer of the Year in Palmerston North, and a Highland Dancer of the Year competition in Nelson, both held in October this year.

But the ultimate goal she wants to achieve in the next few years is Solo Seal – the highest accolade in Highland Dancing.