Jasmine Horton from Stanhope was a finalist for Variety’s Young Sports Achiever Award for 2025.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Jasmine Horton to dance is like a moth to a flame — a pure fascination tugging her closer and keeping her warm.
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It’s been only two years since she began dance as an after-school activity, but rapidly she realised she had found her calling.
The 14-year-old Stanhope dancer lives with ASD, ADHD, anxiety and a speech disorder, facing roadblocks in communication and emotional regulation. Yet when it comes to dancing, all her challenges melt away.
“It changes my mood and it cheers me up when I’m upset and kind of clears my mind,” Jasmine said.
Jasmine choreographed and performed her own solo dance at the Victorian Cecchetti Choreographic Competition, earning her the Adjudicator’s Trophy for her age group, beating out Melbourne ballet students.
She said choreographing was also her way of letting go and telling her frustrations through her body.
“I feel really connected to my body (when dancing) — I feel free,” Jasmine said.
“It gives me a good place to go where when I start dancing, I can just let go of everything.
“I can just focus on dance.”
Her father Chris said he didn’t expect her dancing to take her this far, having watched her practice daily around the house for the past year.
“Seeing her move on stage is kind of ridiculous — she’s very gifted,” he said.
“She hasn’t been doing this long, but she’s very dedicated.”
“Seeing her move on stage is kind of ridiculous — she’s very gifted,” her dad Chris said about Jasmine’s talent.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Her hard work paid dividends when she was selected to be the recipient of the Variety Heart Scholarship for performing arts, which saw her expand her skills, take dance workshops and meet with other young and inspiring leaders.
It took her dance to the next level and she was then selected as a finalist for Variety’s Young Sports Achiever Award for 2025.
While she did not take home the main prize, her father Chris said the family was beyond proud.
And when it comes to dance, Jasmine is far from stopping, wishing to learn more dance styles, hone her craft and eventually turn her passion into a career.
“I want to study for a Bachelor of Performing Arts and I want to own my own dance studio,” she said.
“I want to (create) an open space for other kids to discover their passion for dance like I did.”
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