Q & A with Chloe Angyal

Meet Chloe Angyal, the author of Turning Pointe-How a new generation of dancers is saving ballet from itself. Turning Pointe is a book about the future of ballet, and a reckoning with all the forces – racism, sexism, elitism, and more – that endanger that future.

Chloe originally hails from Sydney and is now based in Iowa in the US.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Tradition, progress, potential.

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

I'd want to be a Wili! The corps work in the second act of Giselle is so intense and beautiful, and who doesn't want to belong to a sorority of vengeful ghost brides?

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

No. It's exclusive in so many ways: it's expensive to train and to watch, it's unaccepting of those who fall outside of a strict gender binary, and it's generally a hostile environment for dancers of colour, especially Black dancers and most especially Black girls and women.

What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?

Inside the ballet world, I think there's a misconception that ballet cannot and does not change, and that's simply untrue. The history of ballet is a history of radical change; it's what has allowed the artform to survive as the world around it changes. Those inside the ballet world are too willing to call stagnation or oppression "tradition," and that threatens the future of the art form.

What are you reading right now?

Heartbreaker, by Sarah MacLean. I love a good romance novel.

Ballet without Borders aims to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience ballet- if you had ultimate power for a day what would you do to make this happen?

Strip tuition down to what's actually essential to pay teachers well and make sure kids get a safe and fulfilling experience. Put teachers of colour in every dance school, regardless of the racial makeup of the students, so that all ballet students grow up seeing people of colour as dance leaders and as sources of knowledge about the art form. Commission dozens of new story ballets that tell new stories from around the world, not the same old European fairy tales ballet has been rehashing for the last two centuries. Design and bring to market a safe, affordable, durable pointe shoe in as many skin tones as possible.

Favourite ballet to watch?

After the Rain, by Christopher Wheeldon.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I'd go back to age 12, when I was told that my body wasn't right for ballet, and when I started believing that made me a failure. I'd tell myself that ballet technique has no moral valence, and that being good at ballet doesn't make you a good person. It just makes you good at ballet.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

In exchange for food and care at a sanctuary, I'd lend it for stud services, so that we can rebuild elephant populations in the wild.

Q&A with Callum Linnane

c. Jeff Busby

This month we had the pleasure of interviewing the recently promoted principal artist of The Australian Ballet, Callum Linnane. Callum was accepted into The Australian Ballet School in 2008 and graduated dux with honours. He joined The Australian Ballet in 2015; he was promoted to coryphée in 2017, to soloist in 2018, to senior artist in 2021, and to principal artist in 2022. Callum was recognised as Telstra’s dancer of the year in 2016 and has delivered incredible performances as The Prince in Alexei Ratmansky's Cinderella and Vaslav Nijinsky in John Neumeier's Nijinsky amongst many others.

In 3 words, what does dance mean to you?

Necessity, expression, truth.

 Favourite ballet to dance?

My favourite ballet to dance is probably John Neumeier's Nijinsky. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first full-length principal role I performed. I loved the movement vocabulary and having the opportunity to dive into Vaslav's psyche.

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe there is still work to be done in this area. For example, if you grow up in a remote area, there may not be a ballet school close enough to attend a class. And even if you do, ballet class can be very expensive for families considering the class cost, uniform, shoes etc. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as the exposure to sports one gets at school. You can send your child to school, and at lunchtime, they can kick a footy around, they can play some basketball, or they can pick up a pen and paper and draw something. I wish it were a little easier to access ballet in everyday life. The one positive is that it's easy to watch ballet online and through social media.

What is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?  

That it's entirely feminine. Ballet requires strength and discipline. Moving your body to music has nothing to do with femininity or masculinity - it's just expressing oneself however that may be for the person.

What are you reading right now?

"Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris.

1 thing that most people don't know about you?

I love listening to ASMR. It’s so calming.

Ballet Without Borders aims to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience ballet- if you had ultimate power for a day what would you do to make this happen?  

I would arrange for every single child to experience a ballet performance. So in every little town, everywhere, there is a world-class ballet performance that is free to go and watch. Maybe that will inspire the next generation of dancers who may never have even crossed paths with ballet.

Favourite ballet to watch?

This changes all the time. But right now I would happily watch The Lady of the Camellias by John Neumeier or Shoot the Moon by Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell my 12 year old self to stretch more! No, I would also tell my teenage self to go lightly. Don't get so emotional about things. If you take the emotion out of things, you can approach things with a clearer mind and not get so upset and angry. This applies to life in the ballet studio and outside of the studio. And one more thing, stop worrying about what other people think.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I care for this elephant, this elephant and I become the best of friends and live a happy life together.

Q&A With Evie Ferris

In 3 words what does dance mean to you?

Discovery, connection, expression.

 Favourite ballet to dance?

Tough to pick just one! Different ballets inspire different things within me and there are so many beautiful productions I am yet to experience.

Swan Lake is one of the first ballet’s I performed with The Australian Ballet so it holds a special place in my heart. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding ballet and there is nothing like dancing on stage alongside friends and colleagues, completely immersed in such a timeless piece. 

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

Ballet is not a readily accessible art form, though it is becoming more so through projects dedicated to reaching broader audiences and organisations like Ballet Without Borders. I recognise my privilege and the opportunities that got me to where I am today and never take them for granted. I think it’s important that people use their opportunities to help others and I hope that I can advocate and pave the way in making ballet more accessible to children in all walks of life. 

What is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?  

 The idea that ballet dancers have to be a certain height and/or weight. I think this is slowly improving but it’s so important for the health and well-being of emerging dancers to know that our strengths are in our uniqueness and individuality.  

What are you reading right now?

“Raising Girls Who Like Themselves” – Kasey Edwards & Dr Christopher Scanlon

1 thing that most people don't know about you?

I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition. Sometimes it’s hard to fit this in to my schedule but it’s very rewarding and I’m getting a lot out of it. 

Ballet without Borders aims to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience ballet- if you had ultimate power for a day what would you do to make this happen?  

I’d organise free masterclasses right around the world that all children, from all backgrounds, can participate in. Followed by free performances and Q&A’s with professional ballet dancers. Ensuring that remote localities are reached.

Favourite ballet to watch?

Couldn’t pick just one! Giselle, In the Upper Room, Alice In Wonderland. They are all so different and versatile which is something I love about this art form. 

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t let the belief of others or your own self-doubt hold you back. Mistakes are a vital part of growth. You are worthy and your story is important.  

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I would create a talk show where the elephant has a comfortable space to live in and invite people to talk about the elephant in the room - uncomfortable topics like racism and class bullying to bring awareness to important social topics.

Picture by Kate Longely

Pointe Shoe prep with Senior Artist Valerie Tereshchenko

For World Ballet Day 2021 - we have asked senior artist of the The Australian Ballet and BWB Board member Valerie to share her pointe shoe prep…

Q&A - Alice Topp-Australian Ballet's resident choreographer

In 3 words what does dance mean to you?

Soul in motion.

2. Favourite ballet to dance?

William Forsythe’s In The Middle Somewhat Elevated and Wayne McGregor’s Infra, and Jiri Kylian’s Petit Mort...and...and.. I just can’t pick one!

3. Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe that dance is a universal language. People all over the world dance when they feel joy or when celebrating and it’s a universal way of connecting with others. Body language a big way of expressing oneself. Ballet can sometimes be trickier for people to relate to and understand but I believe most of the time it’s just that ballet is misunderstood as a form of art just to be appreciated by an elite group of people. Most ballets speak of common themes relating to the human condition - love, loss, joy, tragedy, passion - something everyone will experience in life and can connect with. And most people have a love for music! So I think it’s just about dispelling the theory that ballet is only tiaras and tulle!

4. What is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?

I think when people think of ballet they believe there’s so much focus on the aesthetics - being a particular height, weight and look and having certain physical attributes and facility, like highly arched feet etc. Being a ballet dancer is SO MUCH MORE than that! You are not just a sum of your parts! To be a ballet dancer you are first and foremost an artist, a storyteller. You also require incredible mental strength to deal with the pressure of demanding schedules, relentless touring, injury and retaining countless counts and repertoire! Being a dancer requires great athleticism, strength and endurance as a performer as well as discipline, determination and commitment to get to that level. It’s so much more than “the look.”

5. What are you reading right now?

The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg

6. 1 thing that most people dont know about you?

That I’m a big country kid and if I’m not in pointe shoes, I’m in Blundstones.

7. Ballet without Borders aims to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience ballet- if you had ultimate power for a day what would you do to make this happen

I would make sure every child had the opportunity to see a live performance at a venue for free. We’d fill theatres around the globe with children who’d never experienced ballet. It would be 24 hours of shows and we’d make sure children from all regional and rural areas were able to travel to their nearest venue to witness a show and meet the performers. If I had ultimate power beyond a day, I’d make sure they had access to free classes and dance education forever more!

8. Favourite ballet to watch?

Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room

9. If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself not to be afraid to take up space. Not to be afraid to be different, unique and imperfect. To have courage to be seen and heard and to be unapologetically honest as an artist and human. As perfectionists, we are always spending so much of our careers self-critiquing and comparing our journey to others, but it’s all over so quickly, and you want to enjoy the short time you have! Don’t spend it wishing you were this or that but celebrate you and your unique gifts. No one else has that to offer!

10. You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

Sadly I think it would be too big for my apartment!! I’d have to find it some land which I might turn into a wildlife conservation where we could educate people from a young age to appreciate the world and all it’s inhabitants and cultivate compassion and empathy for other living things.

Story of one of our sponsored children-Daniel

Hello Readers,

During our Penrith workshop in April this year, we spotted a talented young boy and had the opportunity to sponsor him to go to his local ballet school, Glenbrook Ballet Academy.

Daniel loves ballet. He loved our workshop so much that he tried to teach his sister some moves! He has since sat his first Royal Academy of Dance primary ballet exam.

‘'I was so excited to hear that Daniel had won a scholarship from you. He came back from the class he took so inspired and ready to take on the ballet world.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength and has been working so hard for his Primary ballet exam. He really is such a talented young boy with so much promise and potential. He has incredibly strong legs and feet and beautiful turnout and he loves to jump, all the traits for a ballet master in the making.”

-Miss Ilona, Daniel’s teacher at Glenbrook Ballet Academy

We are so proud to have been able to support Daniel in his love of ballet and look forward to following Daniel’s ballet journey.

Q&A -Davis Giotopoulos

Recently I had the pleasure of taking class with Davis Giotopoulos-Moore who has just received a contract with the Eifman Ballet. (He was taking class and I was flailing around!) He has also just graduated from the Bolshoi Academy, one of the first Australian ballet dancers to do so. Before he escapes to Russia I managed to get quick coffee and interview in with him.

Why Ballet?

I actually started dancing because of my sister when I was young and have always loved it.

2. What was the hardest part about becoming a professional dancer? What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Not having the right physique, flexibility or jumps. That has been the biggest challenge and I have had to consistently work on that.

3. What inspires you to work hard/harder every day?

The idea that I would be able to dance professionally on stage one day. (Which has now become a reality)

4. Favourite ballet to dance?

I really enjoy Sleeping Beauty but I know many find it boring!

5. What is a typical misconception that people have about ballet?

People assume that ballet is not hard. That men go on pointe! I get asked that all the time, if my feet are sore!

6. How accessible was ballet to you when you were growing up?

My parents were very supportive, and it was very accessible. All my siblings have pursued creative fields. We were also home schooled so I was removed from some of those environments where I would be bullied.

7. Do you feel that all children have an opportunity to participate in ballet? What would you feel are some of the obstacles that children may face?

Its not accessible to everyone, some kids would have financial problems the fees for ballet schools, costumes, shoes etc. There are big financial implications.

8. Any advice for young dancers wanting to make it in the dance world?

Hard work, hard work, hard work. Perseverance and figuring out whether ballet is for you.  

10. Would you say the competition for male dancers is different from ballerinas.

There are more opportunities because companies need more male dancers, but the standard is getting harder and higher and it is becoming harder to get a job.

Winter School Holiday Workshops

During the winter school holidays BWB ran 2 more workshops in Liverpool and Penrith in collaboration with PCYC. 

We had a wonderful response including 6 boys at our Liverpool workshop! There were many laughs and many plies. The participants enjoyed themselves, learned ballet terminology, steps and choreography as well as fun facts about ballet and nutrition. 

More workshops and locations will be announced soon!

Workshop Success-Penrith

Hello lovely readers,

I am pleased to announce that our first ballet workshop in Penrith was a success with another one to be run in conjunction with PCYC during the winter school holidays in July. 

Our lovely students learned ballet basics such as common ballet positions, turns, jumps and interesting ballet facts. We also ran a nutrition session sponsored by Harris Farm and had some lovely goody bags to hand out at the end of class. 

Thank you to all the students and my two wonderful teachers, Mitch and Sharyn for making this day so wonderful!
xx

Katia