Q&A with Laurynas Vėjalis

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Passion, purpose, freedom.

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

One of my favourites to dance was Albrecht in Giselle, I had an opportunity to dance the role when I just became principal dancer at Royal New Zealand Ballet and it had huge impact on my ballet career. I also loved performing and being part of the ballet Onegin and Nijinsky.

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

It depends. If you live in big cities, there are multiple opportunities to watch ballet or take lessons in many different schools, but it is hard to have same access to that if you live in more rural areas. Also, ballet is well established as an art culture in Europe for example, because of that, there is a lot of support from government, community and organization so that they can make ballet more accessible, but there aren’t many countries outside Europe that values ballet in the same way. I hope ballet can become more universally accessible.

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

It is sad fact but I have to say when people say ‘that when you work hard, you will be

rewarded’ is not always the case in ballet world. Yes, I have seen many hard-working people succeed in professional ballet career, but also I have seen many talented dancers who don’t get same opportunity as others even when they put so much effort. Ballet is a beautiful art form but sometimes ballet world can be complicated place.

What are you reading right now?

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.

One thing that most people don’t know about you?

I’m a bit of clean freak. I am constantly cleaning something.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

Ballet can be very expensive thing whether you watching or dancing. That’s why I think many people are hesitant to reach out to this industry. BWB ensures that everyone should be given an opportunity to be introduced to this wonderful art form no matter what your financial status or background is.

Favourite ballet to watch?

I absolutely love Manon. Score, emotion, musicality and technicality of Pas de Duex, it’s just beautiful masterpiece. I also love watching Dances at a gathering by Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe’s works, Bolero by Maurice Bèjart.

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

Probably I will tell myself to see the bigger picture and try not to think too much or be afraid to fail. Everything will work out in the end. Enjoy the process.

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

Hope I can have huge forest somewhere with other elephants, so that elephant can thrive in their natural habitat because that’s where they belong and they deserve the best.

Q&A with Franziska Rosenzweig

Franziska Rosenzweig, founder of Holistic Ballet® and creator of the Holistic Ballet DVD series, was born in Berlin, East Germany. After graduating from the State Ballet School in Berlin, she danced with the German State Opera Berlin (now Staatsballet Berlin) and the Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark. In 1998, Franziska relocated to London, transitioning from a freelance artist to a ballet teacher, concurrently adding Gyrotonic®, Pilates, and yoga to her skill set. Her teaching engagements spanned locations like India, and included professional dance companies like Random Dance, Richard Alston, and Ballet Prejlocaj. Presently, Franziska teaches amateur dancers at Pineapple Dance Studios and her studio in East London.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

complex, challenging, life-changing

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

My favourite part of dancing was Tchaikovsky pas de deux. I loved the female solo the first time I saw it and I was fortunate to be given that role a few years later. I wish I could have danced it with the knowledge I have now to make it even more enjoyable.

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

I believe the UK has varied outreach programmes for school children. However, to attend more serious ballet training without being on the path of a professional dancer and a scholarship may be very costly.

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

straight?  

As I am in the field of amateur adult ballet training, the most common misconceptions are that one has to be young and flexible to attend ballet classes, and probably female too.

What are you reading right now?

I just started reading ‘Determined: Life Without Free Will by Robert Sapolsky. I am not sure whether I will manage to read the entire volume but as I am also a trained hypnotherapist, I am fascinated by the way our minds work. That’s another thing I wish I had known more about during my active dancing career.

One thing that most people don’t know about you?

My great dislike for chamomile tea.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

There would be too many things to list. But to name a few: every child should have the right to explore and express themselves kinetically through dance. Moreover, movement and dance education help to counteract the negative physical and mental consequences of our sedentary culture and screen time addiction. In our current society, where anything that does not promise immediate measurable profit is seen as dispensable, we need organisations like BWB to challenge these ideologies and show how crucial movement and dance are the the development of children’s social skills and their evolving brains.

Favourite ballet to watch?

I was absolutely mesmerised by Sharon Eyal’s Half-Life that the Berlin Staatsballet streamed for free during lockdown. I usually find it difficult to watch dance on a screen but this piece and the incredible dancers drew me in completely. I hope to get the chance to watch it live one day.

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

I would encourage my younger self to find a confidant to talk to. As a teenager, I was extremely withdrawn and dealt with my problems on my own instead of seeking mental and emotional support.

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

I guess, I would have to give up my life as it is, take my cat Herbert, and move to a place where Icould make a home for us and the elephant.

Q&A with Shane Wuerthner

Shane’s dance journey began at The Kirov Academy of Ballet, where he graduated top of his class in 2004! His exceptional skill and artistry were recognised by several prestigious companies, including San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Vienna State Ballet. Wuerthner accepted the offer from Vienna State Ballet and joined as a corps de ballet memberin 2005. In 2012, he made a significant move to The San Francisco Ballet as a soloist. In 2014, Wuerthner joined Queensland Ballet as a Soloist, and his unwavering commitment and consistent performances led to his promotion to Principal in 2015.

Having retired from ballet in 2017 to begin a career as a personal trainer. His knowledge of dancer conditioning and passion for fitness quickly made him a sought-after figure in this field. Notably, he was named Personal Trainer of the Year before he had even completed a year as a trainer. Wuerthner's experience in fitness led him to establish Athletistry Personal Training, a venture that focused on adult ballet coaching and holistic movement practices. Building on the success of this venture, he launched Athletistry Studio, which marked his return to the ballet world in an administrative capacity.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

My life’s passion

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

My favourite ballet I ever danced was Anna Karenina by Boris Eifman. I had the opportunity to dance both the corps de ballet and Vronsky. It was an incredibly challenging ballet in which no one had the same choreography. I remember when people would get sick or injured in the corps, it would often take 4 people just to replace 1 person, and if any of the 3 principals went off they would replace the entire principal cast.

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

I think it has become more accessible in recent years, but it still has a long way to go. Other forms of commercial dance have opened a gateway to ballet being more widely accepted, but it still sits in an elite space that still is out of reach for many. The cost of performances and ballet training can be extremely high which places ballet in a higher socio-economic bracket. Efforts that have made ballet more accessible have included outreach programs, scholarships for talented dancers from underprivileged backgrounds, and the incorporation of contemporary themes and music to attract a younger and more diverse audience. Digital platforms have also played a crucial role in making ballet more accessible both through performances and in a training capacity as is the case with what I offer through Athletistry. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to fully democratise ballet and make it truly accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, background, or geography. This requires not only addressing the financial barriers but also challenging the cultural perceptions that frame ballet as anexclusive art form. By continuing to innovate and open doors to diverse audiences and talents, I believe ballet will evolve to be more inclusive, reflecting a broader spectrum of society's narratives and experiences.

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

That it is all pink tutus and fairies. Ballet is incredibly powerful in it’s ability to portray complex societal narratives and emotions. Especially through much of the choreography done in the mid to late 20th century we see a development towards unique stories being told with deeply touching story lines that weren’t evident in the classical and romantic era of ballet. I also think ballet is seen as something only for women. As a man in ballet, the training I experienced was intense, challenging and very masculine in it’s design. I had a male Ukrainian teacher and our classes would run for 4-5 hours 6 days per week. Jumps, turns, athleticism and power were all emphasised and prioritised.

What are you reading right now?

The Book on Mental Toughness by Andy Frisella and The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

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

My first dream in life was to be a musical theatre artist on broadway. I actually didn’t like ballet very much as a child until I had the opportunity to train with a male ballet teacher named Mikko Nissinen who is now Artistic director of Boston Ballet.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

It is bridging the accessibility gap for those who would otherwise never be exposed to the incredible art of ballet. This is so essential as it is how the art form will be maintained into the future. By sharing ballet with children we build the possibility that they will become lifelong lovers of ballet if not performers or teachers who become it’s future custodians.

Favourite ballet to watch?

La Bayadere

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

Speak up. I was always very quiet, and not a great advocate for myself. As a result I often ended up being a push over and this lead to me feeling unvalued. So many of the misunderstandings I had in my career could have been avoided had I communicated how I felt earlier.

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

Teach it to dance.

Q & A with Vito Bernasconi

We had the pleasure of interviewing Vito, current soloist with The Queensland Ballet.

1. In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Passion, Courage, Creativity

2. What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. While I’ve performed Tybalt, Mercutio, Lord Capulet and Lead Mandolin, I’ve never performed Romeo and hopefully one day I can experience the role.

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

I believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form to watch and perform in metropolitan areas, and the more outreach we can undertake as a community, the more possibility there is to affect many more future dancers and performers in wider reaching areas of this country and the world. 

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

I have a few:

Ballet is not just for girls, it is for anyone and everyone. Ballet does not define your sexuality. MYTH: Ballet is easy. FACT: Anyone who does ballet requires a high level of physical, mental, psychological and emotional fortitude. It is an art form for the strong, focussed and determined. 

5. What are you reading right now?

I have just finished ‘What Doesn’t Kill Us’ by Scott Carney, and am excited to have begun reading ‘Mr. Einstein’s Secretary’ by Matthew Reilly. He’s one of my favourite authors. 

6. 1 thing that most people don't know about you?

I hate sand out of context. Unless I’m having a beach day and able to rinse it off, it really annoys me. 

7.  Why is the work BWB does so important? 

Everyone needs art in their lives and I believe that everyone deserves to express themselves creatively and passionately in any way they wish. With the mission of bringing ballet to as many people as possible, BWB is ensuring that more people have the possibility to have ballet enriching and enhancing their lives. 

8. Favourite ballet to watch?

I have always admired After The Rain by Christopher Wheeldon. The music, Spiegel I’m Spiegel by Arvo Pärt, and choreography have an incredible symbiotic connection and it has been a dream of mine to one day perform the main Pas De Deux.

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

I would go back to any time that I’ve had a big decision to make and remind myself, ‘Trust your instincts and follow your heart’. 

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

I would call it Dumbo, Trunks or Stampy and wonder how I was going to get it up to, and fit in, my apartment! I would also be obligated to come into any awkward conversation to comprehensively and effectively express, ‘the elephant in the room’.

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 Vicki Attard

This month we have an interview with Vicki Attard. Vicki has had an amazing professional career including former principal artist with The Australian Ballet and having had the role of Interim Director of the Houston Ballet Academy. Vicki has been instructing at many major Sydney institutions over the past 21 years and has produced her own unique pointe programs, entitled ‘My Beginner Pointe’ and ‘My Pointe’, which are all- encompassing programs specifically designed for young dancers and dance teachers alike, covering the safe dance practices and aesthetic components involved in the instruction of pointe work.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

My whole world!

Favourite ballet to dance?

Romeo and Juliet (Cranko), In the Middle Somewhat Elevated (Forsythe), Madam Butterfly (Welch), Jardi Tancat (Nacho Duato). It's impossible to choose just one favourite and I may just give you different answers tomorrow!

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

Yes, I believe ballet is a readily accessible art-form, because in the true sense of those two words, it is 'within reach' or 'easy to get to'. Is it affordable? No, it most certainly is not. Going to the ballet is an expensive venture, however from a different perspective, running a large ballet company involves a grand scale of exorbitant costs, which must be considered in relation to the ticket cost. There is the company's extensive payroll as well as visiting artists for each ballet requiring remuneration as well as lodgings and per diem for the length of contract required. Not to mention Theatre rental, marketing, promotion and associated touring costs.

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

That if you work hard enough, you can achieve your dream of dancing professionally. There are simply too many variables involved to think that this can be a steadfast reality. Simply wanting it and working hard for it, is just the start, a very important start, but unfortunately just the fundamental beginning of becoming a professional dancer.

5. What are you reading right now?

The Opposite of Fate.

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

I left school and accepted an administrative job with Mackay City Council working in a Typing Pool for 2 years, before undertaking an offer from the Australian Ballet School for its three-year diploma course.

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 think it would be most gratifying to organise 'a typical day in the life of' with their favourite dancer lasting from sunrise to sunset. This would obviously include participating in general company class mid-morning, watching rehearsals & playing dress-ups.

Favourite ballet to watch?

Romeo and Juliet. The music and story both lend themselves to the most tragic of all stories to be expressed through dance.

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

I would remind myself to focus on the big picture, enjoy the moment, stop worrying about what could happen, remember every precious moment, and to keep a detailed diary so that when you get older you can remember it time and time again.

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

I would sell my Sydney home, ship the elephant back to its original home and resettle with it. Elephants are highly intelligent with an impressive range of emotions that humans can connect with. They should be treated with the utmost of respect.

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.

Q&A with David Hallberg-Meet the Australian Ballet's new Artist Director

Last year, we connected with the Australian Ballet’s newly appointed Artistic Director, David Hallberg. David boasts an incredible ballet career including being a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet, and as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet.

Check out the Q&A below and discover David’s favourite ballet to watch and dance plus his hot tips for upcoming dancers.

---

How old are you? 38.

What companies have you performed with? American Ballet Theatre, Guest with the Australian Ballet, Former Principal with the Bolshoi.

When you’re not touring with a company, how do you stay in shape and what is your jet lag remedy? Jet lag remedy is Melatonin! And not thinking about the previous time zone.

We already know shaving is part of the ritual of getting performance-ready, any others? Nap. Eat well. Focus the mind!

A surprising thing people don’t know about you? I love a cold beer with my manager after a show in my dressing room.

A ballet you enjoy watching rather than dancing? Almost all of New York City Ballet repertoire.

Have you ever taught adult ballet before? Would you? I have not, and don’t find myself the best teacher.

When you are in the moment and it’s effortless and perfect, what word would you use to describe that feeling for yourself? As close to euphoria as possible.

What was the last gift you received and from who? Love and care. From my boyfriend.

What was the biggest mistake you have made during a performance? Not risked enough. Worried too much.

Do you have a tip that improves flexibility? Know your limits. Warm up properly. And flexibility doesn’t make a good dancer.

You are given an elephant. You cannot sell it or give it away. What do you do? Love it. Learn from it.

---

To keep up with David’s journey, check out his social media platform here. Learn more about Ballet Without Borders and our 2020 impact here. Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive access to future Q&As and regular updates on our growth. Ballet Without Borders: helping all children experience the joy of ballet.

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!