King of the Classical Cup

WHEN Ballarat ballerina, Abby King performed at Melbourne’s Darebin Arts Centre recently, she left carrying something a little heavier than her pointe shoes.

Following her classical solo at the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Competition, the Academy of Classic Ballet student was awarded the Commonwealth Classical Cup.

It’s a “big achievement” for King.

“It’s made me realise how much work I’ve put into training,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to see what I actually could do. I can push harder and harder now.”

She hopes her relationship with ballet continues to a career.

“I moved to Ballarat from Warrnambool to further my studies in dancing, and ballet especially,” King said.

“I really enjoy ballet, it’s one of my biggest passions. Over the last year and a half, I’ve just been training really hard. You just always keep pushing, you can always improve.”

It’s the third year in a row that a student of the Academy of Classical Ballet has received the award, following Chelsea Mullane and Sophie Ross.

Kellie Fishwick-Roscoe, Director of the academy was incredibly proud.

“Previous winners have progressed to outstanding careers in the arts industry and Abby was excited to have her hard work recognised,” Ms Fishwick-Roscoe said.

King has found her experience with the ballet school simply “amazing.

“They’re all so friendly. They have the best atmosphere there. As soon as you come in, you just want to work so hard. All the teachers are so inspiring,” she said.