Learning from the best

EIGHTEEN aspiring dancers had a rare opportunity to work up close and personal with elite performers visited Mount Gambier last month.

Aged 8-12 years, the MJ ballet students not only experienced workshop with the Australian Ballet but also got an insiders’ experience of preparing for a performance and watching the production as well.

MJ Dance Studio director Maria Slape said the entire experience was so valuable for the selected students.

“The workshop was fabulous taken by an amazing teacher who made it lots of fun but also gave wonderful tips,” Maria said. “The dancers started on the barre and then did some centre work as well and it was great to hear that he felt there was a lot of talent in the group.”

MJ strongly encourages its ballet program given the role ballet can play in the technical ability of a dancer – a perfect grounding for all genres.

“Our ballet numbers are quite strong because our understand the benefits,” Maria said. “All the kids really enjoyed the class but I think the experience as a whole was incredible. They got to watch the dancers warm up on stage and then watch the performance. Many had never seen a professional ballet before so this has really inspired them to keep working hard in class.”

PHOTO BY GEORGIA PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY