Tag: New Zealand

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Kate Cockerton-Holmes

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I recenetly had the chance to ask Kate Cockerton-Holmes some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kate is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of 11.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance currently at the New Zealand School of Dance.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started en pointe at the age of 12, so this is my 5th year dancing en pointe.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Bloch Sonatas and Bloch Heritage strong.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My friend did ballet and I loved the look of it. So I decided to try it and have loved it ever since!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Odettes Variation!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for The Royal NZ ballet, the national ballet of Canada or the Royal Ballet. But I would be so grateful to be accepted into any company! 🌸

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

My favourite moment in ballet has to be when I performed my solo and the Alaina Haines completion on the St James theatre.

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

Dancers that inspire me are Svetlana Zakharova, Darcey Bussell and Sylvie Guillem. They are so talented and such inspirational people!

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

The best advice I have received is to be yourself you have to be the hardest working dancer in the room. You have to be persistent and determined if you want to get a job as a dancer.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love a pure classical tutu!

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

I like to spend time with my friends, explore Wellington and eat a cute cafes.

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Eve Claudia Condon

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I first started ballet when I was three like most little girls do, but since then I have never looked back!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at the New Zealand School of Dance! I am a first year classical major.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 5 years now!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Right now I am wearing Bloch Aspiration but I’m still trying to find my ‘perfect shoe’

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My beautiful mother enrolled me so if it wasn’t for her I don’t know if I would be where I am today!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I really couldn’t chose my favourite variation because I simply love them all for various different reasons! But as of right now I love the Dying Swan!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would really love to work somewhere in Europe but I would be happy to be employed anywhere really, as long as I’m doing what I love!

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

One of my many favourite moments was when I was rehearsing a solo in front of my teacher and I once I had finished I looked up and saw she had tears in her eyes. And in that moment I knew I had made her proud.

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

I have had so many role models who have influenced my dancing in so many ways, my teacher Anneliese Gilberd would be one of my biggest inspirations along with Darcey Bussell and Sylvie Guillem who I also look up to in more ways than one.

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

The best advice I have received is ‘Everybody’s path is different so don’t compare yourself to others’, I absolutely love this as it just so true and I think we all forget this sometimes!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Ooo I couldn’t choose! They are both so beautiful 😍

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

In my spare time I really love to bake healthy treats, go for long walks, do yoga, read books, and take photos to name a few! I feel it’s so important to leave dance in the studio and just be a ‘normal’ person in your spare time!

 

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Tessa Cockerton-Holmes

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 9

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Chilton dance academy in Wellington and I am a local scholar and an associates with the New Zealand school of dance !

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

3 years now!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Well I currently don’t have a favourite because I still haven’t found my perfect shoe yet… but I am wearing @capezio cambre and soon I will be trying a repetto shoe

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My sister started dancing and she just said it was really fun so I decided to do it as well!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Gamzati 😍

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would be so grateful to get into any company but one I really love is the royal ballet 😍😍😍

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

Earlier this year I won the South Island ballet awards and it was such an amazing moment dancing on the Isaac theatre stage 🌟

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

Dusty Botton, Steven McRae basically all professional ballet dancers because that is what I aspire to be when I am older ✨

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

That’s so tricky! I would have to say when dancing the technique has to be there but it is more about how you present yourself, where you place you arms and the expression through your body and face

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical, but they are both so beautiful 😍

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

Relax, go for walks with my family, hang out with friends

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Amelia Chandulal-Mackay

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I recently had the joy of asking Amelia Chandulal-Mackay some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Amelia is an outstanding dancer, she graces the stage with phenomenal poise and grace, her passion and dedication to ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5, but not seriously until I was about 12. My Mum (who’s a ballet teacher but didn’t have her own studio at that point) started teaching me- at home actually!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I spent the last year in the scholarship program at Ailey in New York City, and will be joining Oklahoma City Ballet Studio Company in September!

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe work when I was 11 or 12 so about 10 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden custom shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My Mum put my Brother and I into classes when we were little because she was a ballet teacher herself 🙂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is anything from Giselle- I love that ballet! Especially the music ❤

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I loved my time in Oklahoma so a full contract eventually would be amazing! But I am open to anything really, I just want to dance, and getting a job anywhere is getting harder and harder..

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

I don’t really have one specific moment or memory- there are so many things I love about what I do. It’s the little things that mean a lot to me. Doing combinations that I am proud of. A performance that goes really well, making a teacher or my family happy & proud..things like that 🙂

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

If you know me well you’d know that I am obsessed with Natalia Osipova! I think she is one of the most fearless and artistic dancers and my biggest inspiration. In class or performance I often try and imagine I’m her, and ask myself how she would approach the step, and usually it makes me dance so much better! Her jump is also incredible. I love jumping and she inspires me to keep pushing myself for more elevation and use of space

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

Best advice I’ve ever received is such a hard question as I’ve received so much amazing advice over the years! But I’ve been told to approach your work methodically, that technique is physics, and when something isn’t working there’s no point repeating it over and over. You need to stop and figure out why it’s not working, make an adjustment and then keep trying until you fix it. Also that there needs to be intention behind every little thing  you do, as that’s how your movement has quality and texture

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu as I don’t have long, hyper extended legs!

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

I love to write, especially about mental health. I also like to go to the gym, watch Netflix and spend time with my friends 🙂

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Jadyn Bagayas

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Jadyn Bagayas some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Jadyn is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Philippa Campbell School of Ballet, Auckland, New Zealand

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

7 or 8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Heritage, Energetiks Almaz or Bloch Eurostretch.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My Mumm signed me up haha.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Kitri act 1, Kitri’s wedding, Swanhilda’s entrance (there are so many I love)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

ABT or New York City Ballet

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

I love just dancing on stage especially with all my friends! but getting accepted into the bolshoi ballet academy summer intensive was huge for me.

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

Misty Copeland, Dusty Button, Misa Kuranaga, Isabella Boylston, Evgenia Obratsova and Stella Abrera.

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

My teacher always tells us that: the teacher is there to support, help you and tell you what to do but it is only you who can work hard in order to improve and be the best dancer you can be.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I’ve worn more classical tutu’s but I definitely love romantic more

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

I love music so I like to sing, write songs, listen to music. I also loooove musicals! I like to write, read and bullet journal too. oh and eat haha

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Sophie-Kate Groen

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I recently ahd the chance to ask Sophie-Kate Groen some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sophie-Kate is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace, her dedication and passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet was I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Mt Eden Ballet Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for almost 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear European balance pointe shoes and LOVE them!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started ballet because I loved watching my older sister doing it and wanted to be just like her

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Kitri act 1 which I am so happy to be dancing now

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would LOVE to work for The American Ballet Theatre!

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

My favourite moment is anytime I am on stage!

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

The dancer that inspires me the most is Marianela Nunez I love watching her on YouTube!!!

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

The best advice I’ve ever had is that I can make it with hard work and practice I can do it 😊

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I LOVE romantic tutus!!!!

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

In my free time I love to play with my beautiful dog and I also love watching Claudia Dean YouTube videos😂 (a lot of them!!!)

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Rebecca Willis

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Rebecca Willis some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Rebecca is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with amazing poise and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is outstanding. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 6 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Melbourne City Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

9 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Aspiration size 51/2 B

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum took me to a ballet class

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

1st odalisque

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

A progressing ballet company with a great atmosphere

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

When I had my first company performance and couldn’t stop smiling for hours after with the post show buzz.

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

Lucy green from Queensland ballet I grew up watching her with the Royal New Zealand Ballet

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

It’s not what the steps you do it’s how you dance the steps

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

I love the outdoors and going exploring. Seeing the worlds natural beauty

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina India Shackel

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I had the chance recently to ask India Shackel some questions about her journey as a ballerina. India is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with elegance and strength. Her passion and dedication to ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at the Fiona Haines dance academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for almost 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch European Balance and the Energetiks Encore

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started doing fairy ballet when I was 3 and then I fell in love with ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite bariation is definitely Giselle, and the Sugar Plum fairy

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Royal Ballet London

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

One of my favorite dancing memories would have to be when a few others and I were invited to perform in the New Zealand School of Dance graduation session opening act at the St James Theatre, another amazing dancing memory was when I performed in the 2018 AHA Awards at the St James Theatre

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

Hannah O’Neil and Steven McRae are two very inspirational dancers who I aspire to be like one day

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

The best advice that I’ve heard from a teacher is to focus on my goals and to not worry about what other people are doing and their achievements but to work hard and believe

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both Romantic tutus and classical tutus! They are both so gorgeous and look amazing!!!!!!!!

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

When I am not dancing I love to spend time exercising and going on walks with my family, I also love cooking and reading, Pilates stretch and conditioning and yoga are such a fun relaxing thing to do especially with my family, I also love spending time out side with my family and friends.

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Cadence Barrack

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Cadence Barrack some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Cadence is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with an incredible level of poise and grace. Her passion and love for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

At age 4

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

At New Zealand school of Dance

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Aspiration

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Through friends of mine

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Probably Odette (white swan)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t really mind, anywhere I can get a job.

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

Probably any chance I get to perform on stage.

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

Sylvie Guillem, Alina Cojocaru, Sarah Lamb

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

Challenge yourself and don’t give up

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both

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

Spend time with family and friends

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Chloe Parker

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Chloe Parker some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Chloe is a fantastic 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 dancing when I was 2, I was about 6 when I started ballet.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Convergence Dance Studio (CDS) in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

About two & a half years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Gaynor Minden.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My dance school did packages, ballet, jazz, tap etc. I loved ballet as soon as I started doing it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love a lot of them, I’m currently dancing Peasant Pas, Kirov Version, from Gisele, for a competition this weekend.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Royal New Zealand Ballet

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

Getting my pointe shoes, & also scoring 100% in my ballet exam last year.

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

Misty Copeland, Denzil Bailey, & the senior dancers at my school.

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

So much! Maybe feeling the music when you dance is a good one.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical ❤️

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

I don’t have a lot of spare time, I have school during the day & dance in the evening. I like to hang out with my friends when I can, I do some modelling, swimming, archery, I love to sing, I like to watch YouTube & some movies & series 😃