Tag: Australia

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Hannah Saito

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Hannah Saito some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Hannah is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I train at the Prima Youth Classical Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been pointe for about 2 and a half years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started dancing with all of my friends from Pre-School

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many variations I love it’s impossible to choose!!!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

As long as I am a ballerina and dancing everyday I am happy anywhere!

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favourite moments are when you come off stage after a performance and knowing that you did your best and that your hard work was so worth it!

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

The dancers that inspire me most are Fumi Kaneko, Yasmine Nagdhi and Skylar Brandt

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

To always believe in your self and know that if you put the work in you will always get what you put in

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

To always think about artistry! Sometimes I would only just think of the technique and forget about the artistry but ballet is an art form.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The feeling of knowing you have done your best!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

There are times you will feel discouraged but that’s Ballet! One thing that makes ballet so addictive is the rollercoaster of emotions.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

I have never really thought about another life. I just love ballet so much and I all I want to do is to be a ballerina!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Ooh!!! I love both but I I would have to say I do love a classical tutu!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have always been very lucky to have never been seriously injured

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love going on walks with my family by the beach and playing with my little pet cat!

Q&A With Australia Ballerina Charlotte Mitchell

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Charlotte some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Charlotte is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance, her passion and dedication to ballet is remarkable. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at the McDonald college in Sydney Australia

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on point for over 4 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently wearing Bloch synergy

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum put me into ballet because she used to be a dancer

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a ton of favourite variations but I really like Kitri act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t know what my dream company is as it is constantly changing but I love the American ballet theatre

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Some of my favourite moments in ballet is when you finally get a movement or a correction you’ve been working on for weeks, months, or even years (Its one of the best feelings in the world)

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

I’m super basic so I am obsessed with Misty Copeland just because of her work ethic and how she never gave up despite of what people told her. I also really like Jade Wood in the Australian Ballet just because of her expression in her dancing and how graceful she moves on stage

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Just to keep your options open and try and be as multi-talented as possible because you never know what going to happen in a audition room

Q11: Classical or Romantic tutu?

Oh good question I really have a good appreciation for a good romantic tutu and because I’m tall I feel like it just looks really good on stage x

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I don’t find myself with much free time since I dance full time and when I’m not dancing I’m studying, I do like to play piano and sing though when I have the time to practice.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Heather Warning

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I recently had the chance to ask Heather Warning some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Heather is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

At age 9

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Cinevox Junior Company in Switzerland

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Around 8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

The Grishko Allures

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I slouched a lot and ballet was to help my posture

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Anything in Sleeping Beauty, especially in Act II!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

RNZB, Queensland Ballet, Dutch National, all of them!!

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Being on stage with a live orchestra

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Isabella Boylston, Marianela Nunez, Maria Kochetkova, Svetlana Zakarova.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

You never stop learning, there’s always a next layer

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Exploring the world, and the underwater world, whilst taking photographs!

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Emilee Blake

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Emilee Blake some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Emilee is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace. Her passion and dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I have been dancing since the age of 10 but have only don’t ballet for 4 years

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at Ballettshule Theatre Basel in Switzerland

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I stared pointe work when I was 13 so for 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed Studio Professionals

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got into a school called John Curtin were I had auditioned for the dance program but couldn’t make the final round cause I was sick so I had to go to the ballet audition and I ended up getting in so that’s when I decided to start ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Swan Lake Odette Variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Definitely Dutch National as they take tall dancers and it is an amazing company

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

When I was performing at Yagp New York Finals

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Definitely Svetlana Zakharova and Sylvie Guillem

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Train everyday harder then before and believe and achieve your end goal

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love hanging out with friends, swimming in the river and eating ice cream 😂 ❤️

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Sophie Cotton

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I recently had the chance to ask Sophie Cotton some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sophie is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 5 but left at age 6 and picked it back up when I was 11.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Katharine Mantle Performing Arts Academy (KMPAA)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

3-4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I’m in-between Freed Studio Professionals and Grishko Novas at the moment.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was enrolled by my mum (not sure if I asked or not hehe) at a local dance school.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

This is a hard one. My favourite variations at the moment are 1st shade, Satanella, Giselle act 1, Fairy of Temperament, Fairy of Generosity and Don Q Bridesmaid 1 variation. I’m also studying the Manu soloist at the moment from La Bayadere to perform in our end of year performance.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company is a blessing 🙏🏼 my absolute favourite is Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Moving to fulltime ballet has got to be my favourite moment so far. Seeing how far I’ve come in only a year is so rewarding and exciting.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

I look up to so so so many amazing dancers but specifically – Misty Copeland, Michaela De Prince, Dusty Button, Juliet Doherty, Theresa Farrell and Diana Vishneva.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

That exams and performances are only a reflection of where you are now, not where you will be in 1 day, 1 week or even a year. To focus on yourself is the most important thing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

CLASSICAL! Glitter and dip dyed tutus are so stunning

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to go on walks, do makeup, swim and draw etc. I love going to the movies as well hehe

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Sophie Walters

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Sophie Walters some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sophie is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at Annette Roselli Dance Academy and have been dancing there all my life!

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe when I was 10 1/2 so I’ve been en pointe for around 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

At the moment I have been wearing Bloch Serenade pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet when my mum saw that I had so much energy, and I was always dancing around the house. She decided to take me to a ballet class and I have loved it ever since!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation right now is either Kitri Act 3 or Finger Fairy!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love and be so lucky to get into any company, but I would love to dance overseas in Europe, England or America.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favourite memory is probably when I found out I was excepted into the Houston Ballet Pre-professional Program!

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My dance role models are Marianela Nuñez, Michaela DePrince, and all of the ballet teachers that have taught me.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

The best advice I have received from my ballet teachers are to just be yourself, and to not be too hard on yourself especially when your having a bad day. Everyone has their own path.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I honestly really like both, I can’t decide!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I’m not dancing, which isn’t very often 😂 I love to go shopping and hanging out with friends but also spending time with my family, dogs and my two Alpacas.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Tessa Karle

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I recently had the chance to ask Tessa Karle some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Tessa is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace, her passion and dedication to ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 4 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently in my first year at the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington, but I’m originally from Canberra, Australia.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I went on pointe when I was 11, so I’ve been on pointe for around 5 1/2-6 years now!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch Heritage pointe shoes. They were my first style of pointe shoes that I tried when I was 11 and whilst I’ve tried other styles and brands since then, I’ve always just loved Heritage shoes so I’ve stuck with them!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was always fascinated with ballet as a kid, Angelina Ballerina was my favourite show and whenever classical music was playing I would always dance to it. My parents never forced me into dancing, I actually begged them to enrol me in ballet lessons! I am so grateful that my parents have always been so laidback about dance so that it has been simply my passion for dance that has got me this far and not my parents pushing me.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation would definitely have to be Giselle. Whilst I love the technical challenge of other variations, there is something so special about a variation that focuses on artistry and telling a story through the movement. I’ve been really lucky this year to work with several teachers and guest tutors on the Giselle variation and it has amazed me how many different things you can learn from each teacher about the one variation and how you approach it artistically.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to be in the Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet or West Australian Ballet as it would be so amazing to find a company closer to home so I would be able to visit my family more readily. Overall though I would be willing to go to one of the many different companies around the world as I know how competitive it is to find work as a ballet dancer and just would love to be able to do what I love professionally anywhere in the world.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

I think some of my favourite ballet memories involve performance opportunities. There is nothing better than the feeling of being onstage with people who you’ve worked so hard in the studio with for months and finally getting to show all of the work you’ve put in. There’s nothing like a tough show or piece to bring you closer to people and that’s one of the things that makes ballet so special.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My all time favourite dancer would definitely have to be Marianela Nunez! I adore the way she combines both beautiful technique with such raw emotion and artistry. She is truly the epitome of the perfect ballerina for me.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

To never stop working hard and to stay dedicated. Even if you don’t have the best facility or aren’t the most talented person in the room, you stand out if you work the hardest and love ballet with everything you have. This is something I try to think of even if I am having a hard day or if things aren’t working out exactly as I imagined. You will get where you want to be eventually if you keep going!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

As much as I love romantic tutus, classical tutus will always have my heart. I still remember the excitement of getting to wear my first tutu when I was younger!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time, I love to bake and cook, watch YouTube, and do things with my friends. Never underestimate the value of spending quality time with friends, it can improve your mood so much and set you up for a great week. It’s so great sometimes to get away from dance and experience new things, and often you can use those experiences to bring something new to your dancing.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Primrose Kern

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I had the chance recently to ask Primrose Kern some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Primrose is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion and dedication to ballet is outstanding. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 3 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Claudia Dean Coaching, Atelier Australia and The Dance Company.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved as a tiny dancer just going to baby ballet class, my mum was a dancer and she thought I was terrible when I was younger so I just went for fun and here I am😂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Aurora Act 3 or Swanhilda Act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company is a good company, so I don’t have a preference.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favorite memory would be getting selected for the Prix De Lausanne and competing in Switzerland. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

David Hallberg, Evgenia Obraztsova, Myriam Ould-Braham

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Work Work and Work

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical all the way

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Because I am a full time I don’t much spare time, so when I do I’m doing school work and spending time with my cat

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Kassidy Thompson

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Kassidy Thompson some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Kassidy is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion, dedication and love for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I stared at 10 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I just graduated from the John Cranko Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe work when I was 12

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently trialling different Freed Pointe shoes. But my normal shoes are Energetiks Sapfir and I love them!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I think I always wanted to do some type of dance when I was little. After nagging my mum about it, I guess she just signed me up at the local dance school. I actually first really enjoyed dancing hip hop and then eventually found my passion for ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many I would love to dance. But would love to dance as Manon! Would be a dream!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are many companies in the world I would love to work with (anywhere that would take me really!) but would probably say Stuttgart Ballet, ABT, Wiener Staatsoper or Australian Ballet!

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

A highlight for me would definitely be my graduating performance with JCS. It was so exciting to dance a piece choreographed by Uwe Scholtz, but was really special to share the stage for the last time with my classmates.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

hmmm this is quite a tough question! There are some many dancers who inspire me! 2 who come to mind are Marianela Nunez and Aurélie Dupont. But I also would watch Friedemann Vogel dance any day!

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

I have received so much advice from so many incredible teachers. But I think an important thing as a dancer is to really show your passion while you dance. If you really give everything you’ve got and all your emotion depending on the role you dance, hopefully you can make the audience experience different emotions/feelings too. Happy, sad…That’s really a special thing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I love being with my friends and family. Cooking, going on adventures and especially love travelling to new places!

 

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Jade Mitchell

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Jade Mitchell some questions about her jounrey as a ballerina. Jade is an excellent dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

6 Years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

5 Years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Capezio (developé)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Begged my mum to take me to class😂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Aurora act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

The Royal Ballet, however I am open to all companies

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Performing Waltz girl in Serenade

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Marianela Núñez, Natalia Osipova & Alina Cojucaru

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

‘Never be afraid to fail’

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love cooking healthy recipes, walking, hanging out with friends!