Summer camp on pointe

DANCERS from across Ballarat and the region headed to Magpie over the weekend for a summer school event hosted by Dance Makers.

Isabella, Neha, Poppy and Caili were just some of about 30 dancers who got an opportunity to learn from industry professionals in ballet, hiphop, contemporary and commercial styles.

“My focus is on bridging that gap between the regions and the city,” principal Kylie Lavery said.

“Rather than students having to escape to Melbourne or Sydney, they can actually have the artists here in their home town.”

Ballet instructor Sophie Pickavance, who’s from Ballarat but now teaches in Melbourne while studying at the University of Melbourne, said she welcomed the opportunity to come back and help shape a new generation of dancers.

“It’s lovely,” she said. “Ballarat just brings so many brilliant dancers and it’s really nice to come back home.” Photo: ALISTAIR FINLAY