FORMER Mount Gambier resident Michaela Pace will star in a lead performing role over the next six months while touring the globe on board the Brilliance of the Seas cruise ship.
Graduating from Federation University Arts Academy last year with a musical theatre degree, Ms Pace took a major step in her professional career in April when she auditioned against over 350 eager entertainers for the dancer’s position.
Ms Pace received the “overwhelming” news she had been selected about a month ago.
“At the end of my degree, people were deciding what they wanted to do next,” she said.
“Without a doubt, I knew I wanted a contract on a cruise ship but I knew the chances were slim due to how high in demand they are.
“I had some goals I wanted to achieve at the beginning on the year and at the top of the list was the contract so it was a great achievement to tick it off.”
Ms Pace will star in the two shows Centre Stage and Now and Forever where she will feature as a lead dancer.
Ms Pace said she had no particular strategies in place when going for the position other than having confidence in herself.
“I think the industry itself is demanding and cut-throat,” she said.
“I just had to think about myself and no one else.
“I think having a strong mindset and being strong in myself is an achievement on its own.”
For the first month, Ms Pace will travel across the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Spain, France and Italy.
“I am definitely excited to visit Italy as I come from Italian heritage,” Ms Pace said.
“Both my mum and dad were born in Italy and I have not been there before, (or anywhere) overseas.
“I will hopefully be able to visit relatives and explore the background from where I came from.”
For around the next five months after, Ms Pace said the cruise would visit the Western Caribbean including Mexico, The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.
“Traveling the world while entertaining was like killing two birds with one stone,” Ms Pace said.
“I have not stopped dancing for the past 17 years of my life and began singing at around eight years of age.
“From Year 9, there was no question I wanted to pursue a career in musical theatre.”
Ms Pace began dancing at MJ Dance studio as a three year old, looking up to her cousin Cristina D’Agostino.
“She was and still is my idol,” she said.
“When she went to complete a degree in Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts it all kind of clicked for me and made me realise I wanted to do the same.
“I then began to hone in on my dancing and singing skills.”
Starring as Velma in the showcase Chicago is among Ms Pace’s greatest achievements, along with a range of national titles and the cruise ship contract.
However, Ms Pace said watching the audience react to her performance was the greatest reward.
“I feel so much joy and passion up on stage,” she said.
“Over the years I have grown and learnt from my teachers and I can not thank MJ Dance director Maria Slape enough for her efforts.
“I also thank my other teachers and mentors who have pushed and believed in me.”
Ms Pace left for the Brilliance of the Seas cruise yesterday.
