SIX young Mount Gambier dancers were recently treated to a professional performance experience with the Melbourne City Ballet during their visit to the region last month.
Performers from Maryke Dance Academy and MJ Dance were selected to feature in the company’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on December 23.
As part of the company’s unique community engagement project, local dancers were invited to attend a workshop and audition at the theatre the morning of the performance.
The city’s healthy dance scene was buzzing as 21 students attended the workshop to train with experienced company staff.
Maryke Dance Academy’s Holly Allison and Alexia Gentile were selected alongside MJ Dance students Flynn Harfull, Madi Lane, Halle Anderson and Keira McBain.
The city’s dance teachers and studio directors praised the company for not only performing in the city, but providing young dancers with a professional experience.
Dancers are often travelling outside of the region for similar opportunities and experiences.
Parents and dance studio staff took to social media after the event to share photographs and success stories.
Envy Dance Studio: “Well done to those who participated in the Melbourne City Ballet workshop and audition for The Nutcracker performance, what a wonderful opportunity and a great show!”
MJ Dance: “Four of our dancers got to dance with the Melbourne City Ballet, what a very special and wonderful opportunity, it is always fantastic to see professional shows in Mount Gambier.
“They all performed really well and it was nice to share the stage with dancers from other studios in the area.”
Renae Lowe: “Such a great performance! Well done.”
Stacey Bradley: “I hope the company will come back to Mount Gambier in 2018, the performance of The Nutcracker was amazing!”
Sara Harfull: “Wow, such a wonderful experience!”
