Dreams come true for Byron ballet dancer

WHEN Amani Wiriyanjara stepped onto the stage as a tiny angel in Byron Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at just six years old, she dreamed that one day she might dance the lead role of Clara.

This October, that dream will become reality when the 19-year-old takes centre stage as Clara in Byron Ballet’s 20th anniversary production at the Byron Theatre.

Now the Myocum dancer is hoping to realise another lifelong ambition after being accepted into the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York.

Wiriyanjara is applying for scholarships and grants to help fund the move and has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the money needed to study overseas.

 

She began ballet lessons at the age of three and has since performed a string of principal roles with Byron Ballet, including Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Cat in Peter and the Wolf.

The former Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School student hopes to relocate to New York in January or September 2027 if she can secure enough funding. There she plans to undertake training in ballet, contemporary, neoclassical, partnering, jazz and production skills.

“The traineeship and degree is for four years, but some dancers leave after the first, second or third years to work in companies,” she said.

“I hope to gain incredible experience and travel the world performing. I would also love to be able to bring my experience back to Byron.”

Wiriyanjara said ballet is a way in which she can express herself and story through movement, and being on stage is one of her happy places.

“I am eternally grateful to all my amazing directors, teachers, mentors, fellow performers and audiences from Byron Ballet, Shearwater, Spaghetti Circus and beyond,” she said.

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, visit gofund.me/c685c80c4