FIVE outstanding ballet students at Harbour Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) have received awards based on their hard work and achievements, as part of its Cultural Scholarship Program.
Four received tickets to attend professional ballet performances in a city theatre, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This year they travelled either to Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane or the Sydney Opera House.
The awards are sponsored by HPAC Patron Mark Hardy.
“The importance… of the top students seeing professional ballet performances is for them to see dance at its highest level,” Mr Hardy told News Of The Area.
Student Ava chose to see France’s leading contemporary ballet company Ballet Preljocaj perform Swan Lake at QPAC.
“It was the first time I have ever been to the ballet and the dancers were just amazing, their timing was perfect and incredible to watch,” she said.
“It was also very interesting to see how they interpreted the Classical Swan Lake ballet into a contemporary dance and the way they mixed the classical music and steps in with some funky contemporary music and moves.”
Tahlia travelled to Sydney Opera House to see the Australian Ballet perform ‘Nijinsky’, which for her was “truly a visit of a lifetime”.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to see a modern, contemporary ballet as it is quite difficult to see the Australian Ballet professionally perform in our regional town of Coffs Harbour,” she said.
“It was an inspiring ballet that I really enjoyed watching, and it helped me to see and experience the potential that I have as a dancer.”
Angus also attended ‘Nijinsky’ at Sydney Opera House.
“Nijinsky was a creative genius who changed ballet forever,” he said.
“It was a very impressive performance of the good and bad aspects of his life.
“The whole performance has inspired me to work even harder to achieve my dreams of being a professional dancer.”
Nami chose to see Romeo and Juliet at QPAC in Brisbane.
“The beautiful costumes and set added to the incredible performances and helped highlight the talent and experience of the dancers,” she said.
“The choreography allowed the audience to truly feel the emotions of Shakespeare’s famous love tragedy.
“The dancers on stage were so elegant and expressive which really inspired me for my classical dances. I really valued this opportunity.”
Student Zoey received a Musical Theatre award to see Annie the Musical at the HPAC Concert in December.
“When I was walking into the theatre, I was excited to see Annie.
“Watching the young actors sing and dance, I was amazed by their performance… it encouraged me to keep going in my performance journey.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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