Ballet masterclass takes flight in Geelong

STUDENTS from the Geelong Ballet Centre were treated to a masterclass in the art when the Telstra Let’s Dance initiative rolled into the region last week.

A program held in partnership with the Australian Ballet, the initiative brings nationally acclaimed ballet dancers to country and coastal areas.

Along with learning from distinguished teachers, students also join special backstage visits, observe dancers in rehearsal rooms and watch the Australian Ballet performance at their local theatre.

Australian Ballet National Tour’s Paul Knobloch is teaching the Telstra Let’s Dance program across the nation.

“I look after all the Telstra Let’s Dance programs on the road, I get to teach the classes in each place we go across the country and share the gift of dance with the local community,” he said.

“It’s really lovely for us to get to come to these studios, I really love that experience of getting to share dance and the community also getting to share in that excitement that they get from participation.”

The opportunity to be taught by a professional dancer in country and coastal areas is rare, with the program delivered for the first time last year.

Knobloch said the program was important in making ballet more accessible.

“It’s not always easy to get to the big cities to see professional companies like the Australian Ballet and get exposure to experience different avenues of teaching.

“The fact that we can come to them rather than them come into the big cities is really important.”

Australian Ballet artistic director David Hellberg said Telstra had been an integral part of the

Australian Ballet for more than four decades.

One dancer from each participating school will also be offered the opportunity to head to the Australian Ballet Centre in Melbourne, providing them with an immersive day in the life of a professional dancer.