A WODONGA dancer is urging young people starting out in the industry to be true to themselves.
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Speaking on International Women's Day on Friday, Zoe Cavedon said there was no one-size-fits-all experience for young dancers.
Cavedon, 19, said a dance career could offer a broad range of possibilities.
"You need to make sure you can carve your own way," she said.
"You need to look at your options; maybe the traditional path isn't for you, like it wasn't for me.
"Make sure you have that self-belief; you've got to put in the hard work, it's an achievable job but it's hard work."
A guest dancer and brand ambassador with Wodonga-based Projection Dance Company, Cavedon has travelled extensively.
By age 17 she was picked up by Sarasota Ballet Company of Florida, performing works by Ashton, Bintley, and Balanchine.
"It was my first job with a dance company by the age of 17," Cavedon said.
"I made the decision to come back home after a season because of my entrepreneurial spirit and my work with Projection."
Having grown up at Bright and Wodonga, Cavedon said she was not content to walk the traditional path.
"I've been very fortunate to have already been exposed to the international dance scene through my training in America and my modelling," she said.
"I've danced in gala performances partnering stars that I've admired. All of these experiences have opened my eyes to the potential that I have as an artist."
Cavedon reconnected with Projection last May as a guest dancer, brand ambassador and mentor to young students.
"Even as a young girl, dance wasn't just a hobby: I was always into it seriously," Cavedon said.
"Projection has allowed me to do many different things.
"A Masterclass Series we've filmed is hoping to reach people in regional areas but also around the world."
Projection Dance Company artistic director Tim Podesta said he enjoyed working with Cavedon on galas and the Masterclass Series.
"With dancers, you can tell, the kids who have it, the focus and determination to work hard," he said.
The Masterclass Series will be launched during August.
Contemporary and fitness categories will be added to the series in future.