The next tween sensation could be Officer’s own dancing superstar Damian Meredith.By Danielle Galvin
FOR 18 years, families across the country sat down on Saturday night to watch the weekly talent show that hoisted some of Australia’s biggest expats to fame.
Household favourite Johnny Young led the cast of Young Talent Time that included a young Tina Arena and Dannii Minogue.
This year, with the show relaunched and headed by Rob “Millsy” Mills, talent time is back with a host of fresh-faced contestants.
Among them is 16-year-old Damian Meredith. The Officer teen is the only individual dancer in the competition.
“I choreographed threedances and told them what style it was in and the music, and they chose what I would perform,” he said.
On Sunday, Damian performed a lyrical contemporary dance aired to millions of tweens and teeny-boppers Australia wide.
What’s most impressive is that he choreographed the entire routine.
“I do all types of dancing, except ballroom,” he said.
Damian and his mum Rose raced up to Sydney’s Fox studios two weeks ago to film the show. He had auditioned in September and got the call to compete in the wild card selection.
It’s clear that Damian isn’t an average 16-year-old. He’s perceptive, articulate and passionate about his craft.
“I don’t really know exactly what I want to do,” he said.
“But I know I want to do commercial dance, back-up dancing or maybe musical theatre, if they’d take me.”
All the while the Year 11 student is doing his VCE at the Victorian College of the Arts, and spending the rest of his days doing backflips, juggling and aerial work at circus training.
“I sort of just mash everything together,” he said.
Somehow, he manages to train, dance and do his homework.
It’s clear that the driven and ambitious teen wouldn’t have it any other way, he’s just grateful for the chance to perform.
“It was really fun, really awesome. Everyone on the show is so nice. It’s really family oriented and friendly,” he said.
Damian has a shot at the wildcard entry into the show. With the help of votes from fans, friends and family, he might just be the next big thing.
