Weston dancer Olivia Mavor is America bound for the fling of a lifetime.

Olivia has joined the New Zealand Highland Dance Company to take part in the Virginia International Tattoo, and flew out on Thursday (April 13).

The 17-year-old is one of 33 dancers going from New Zealand. Twelve are in the company and the rest of the group were chosen to accompany them, she said.

The military tattoo was started in 1997 and is the signature event of the Virginia Arts Festival.

Taking place annually in Norfolk, Virginia, the tattoo is an exhibition of military bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, dancers, and choirs.

The New Zealand group are the only Highland dancers, and join performers from countries such as France, Ukraine, Latvia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

There will be four shows, and Olivia said she was “excited, but also a bit nervous” about the two-and-a-half week trip.

The St Kevin’s College Year 13 pupil has been Highland dancing since she was three, under the guidance of her dance teacher and mother, Kimberley Mavor.

Also a keen netball and basketball player, Olivia said she enjoyed the competitive nature of Highland dancing.

“It’s just a fun thing to do - I like team sports, but this is individual - it’s something I can do myself.”

Her highest achievement to date is being named the New Zealand Under-16 champion at the New Zealand Highland Dance Championships in 2021.

Olivia danced her way to become Under-16 New Zealand Highland Dance Champion in 2021. PHOTO: Supplied

She had to learn new choreographed dances for the tattoo, and had been going through and revising them almost daily since attending a workshop last month with the rest of the group.

Mum had also provided guidance when required.

All travel costs to the United States have been Olivia’s responsibility and she had been helped immensely by the Ruby Marris Trust and Laser Plumbing. 

She had been working at Observatory Village to save some spending money, and is grateful to North Otago Piping and Dancing, as well as friends and family for contributing to costs.

Kimberley said she is “super-excited” for Olivia.

“Obviously, I’m a wee bit nervous for her, but I’ve had a couple of other pupils in the past who have had this opportunity . . . and it’s great that little North Otago Highland dance is being seen on the world stage. 

“So yeah, it’s really exciting and she’s worked really hard over the years and deserves it.”

As well as taking part in the tattoo, the group will visit NASA to have breakfast with an astronaut, and also spend three days in New York following the tattoo.

“Every day is well planned out - so it’s an opportunity just beyond dancing as well,” Kimberley said.

Those who want to follow the group’s travels, can join the Friends and Fans of the Highland Dance Company of NZ page on Facebook.