Ballerina dances to national school

PROMISE: Young dancer Holly Allison was recently notified of her acceptance into The Australian Ballet School’s interstate program after showing promise at the national auditions. Picture: KYRA SYKES

PASSION, dedication and plenty of practice has landed young Mount Gambier ballerina Holly Allison acceptance to The Australian Ballet School’s interstate program.

With her exam results en pointe, nine-year-old Holly made a lasting impression at the national auditions in Melbourne earlier this year.

Holly was just two years old when she discovered her love of dance, however her interest in ballet began when she was four.

She commenced her ballet training under renowned local dance instructor Maxine Lockwood at Maryke Dance Academy.

In recent years, she has competed at a range of competitions, returning with a swag of awards and prizes.

Having spent 32 years teaching dance to hundreds of students in Mount Gambier, Ms Lockwood said Holly showed potential early.

“Holly has shown promise from day one,” she said.

“She has always worked hard by applying herself in class and rehearsing regularly at home.”

She said it was an exciting opportunity for the young dancer.

“In the past I have had students attend the school and go on to join the company, it will be great to watch Holly progress and learn from the best,” Ms Lockwood said.

“It is very exciting, with her passion and natural ability she has the potential to become a beautiful ballerina.”

For 50 years, The Australian Ballet School has been training dancers from across the country in preparation for a professional career.

It is renowned as one of the top vocational schools in the world.

Holly’s acceptance into the International/Interstate Training Program will provide her with training opportunities at levels one to three.

The program is aimed at dancers located outside metropolitan areas and introduces students to the school’s culture and unique training.

It also serves as preparation for possible study in the full-time program, which students can begin at the age of 14.

Over 700 new students audition for the Australian Ballet School each year and Holly was one of many talented performers selected for the 2018 program.

Holly has been surrounded by dance since she was born.

Her mother Tonya Allison is an experienced dance teacher specialising in calisthenics.

Ms Allison operates and teaches at Tonique Studio alongside business partner and friend Monique Gentile.

She said Holly has always loved dance and was excited about the opportunity to learn more.

“She is very excited, Holly is always dancing and for her to gain further experience at this age is very exciting,” Ms Allison said.

“The school is based in Melbourne and the program is very flexible and understanding when it comes to travelling to classes.”

Holly will commence training with The Australian Ballet School next year by attending classes on weekends or in school holidays.

PRIDE: Maryke Dance Academy director Maxine Lockwood is looking forward to watching student Holly Allison progress her skills in The Australian Ballet School’s interstate program.