"It is hard to describe," Austin said. "I just love getting on stage and expressing what I can do and showing the audience and the judges how I dance."
The humble youngster was quick to credit Dance Avenue ballet teacher Lisa Wilson and director Amy Yorke for helping to perfect his technique, choreography and performance.
"We are always working to improve on my dances. Amy has worked so hard with me," he said. "My technique has improved so much from when I started."
Austin can sometimes be in the studio for 10 hours perfecting choreography and working on technique, strength and flexibility - on top of school work at Otumoetai Intermediate.
His accolades follow on from last year when Austin was chosen as an ambassador for the Follow Your Dreams competition and was named the preteen regional champion.
That was before the young dancer played the lead role of Uncle Henry in his first musical for Tauranga Musical Theatre's youth production of The Wizard of Oz.
Austin started dancing at 6 years old after watching one of his cousin's dance classes. First it was hip-hop class, then mum Alisha was enrolling him in more.
"I am always looking forward to dancing. It is just so much fun," Austin said.
Austin hopes to one day become a professional dancer overseas.
"I would also love to come back to New Zealand and teach and maybe one day have my own dance school," he said.
Austin's mum Alisha said her son always had natural rhythm and she was proud to see him shine on the national stage.
"It is awesome he is being rewarded for all of the hard work he puts in," she said.
Austin's top tips on and off the stage:
1. Have discipline.
2. Be willing to put in hard work, time and effort to get the best result.
3. Keep calm before going on stage. Remind yourself of the choreography and everything your teacher has told you.
4. Connect with the audience and have energy on stage.
5. Be humble and thankful for your parents and teachers and the time they have put into you and your dancing. Be supportive of other dancers.
