Artist of The Australian Ballet, Paragon (Topp), 2023 Photo Daniel Boud
As Paragon continues to delight audiences, we talk to the alumni guest artists about returning to the stage after retirement and what they are most looking forward to.
Written by
Heather Bloom
Published on
12 May 2023
Madeleine Eastoe
Madeleine Eastoe and Marcus Morelli, Paragon (Topp), 2023 Photo Daniel Boud
What has the experience been like returning to The Australian Ballet as a dancer?
Returning to the studio space as a dancer has been a big deal. It is a huge privilege to be in a room, slowly chipping away at rediscovering some of your skills and honouring your practice amongst the next generation of artists.
Have you noticed any changes in the ballet industry since you last performed?
So much learning is on screens. Access to information is faster. Classes are fast paced. Even with these technical improvements, there are still elements that are similar to the time I was there.
Madeleine Eastoe, Cinderella (Ratmansky), 2015 Photo Jeff Busby
What are you most excited about for the performance?
Reconnecting with the feelings of being on stage, the music and how it hits you, the immediacy of the moment, sharing that energy of performing with someone, whether that is with a familiar face or a new connection.
What are you most nervous about?
Remembering all the steps, entering on the right musical phrase, and not letting the occasion pass me by too quickly.
What does Identity mean to you?
‘Identity’ is coming together in a time where you are celebrating a precious part of your life that you know is not forever, but it is a huge portion of you. It is who you are currently, what that represents and all that has come before.
It feels like being myself again. Truly who I am.
"Some of my dearest friends are sharing this experience with me, and that has been one of the highlights. We have the same connection many years later, as if time hasn’t passed, although a lot of life experiences have filled the in between. The friendships you make in your early career are some of the strongest and most cherished. And to have this opportunity to live like that again, with those people, is worth every abdominal plank series I did to get here!"
Madeleine Eastoe
Paul Knobloch
Paul Knobloch and Madeleine Eastoe, Forgotten Land (Kylián), 2005 Photo Jim McFarlane
What has the experience been like returning to The Australian Ballet as a dancer?
Dance has been my everything for as long as I can remember. It’s been wonderful to revisit the disciplines of daily class and to bring back a greater focus to fine tuning my body in preparation for performance. I love the camaraderie and support that has been given by the dancers and I feel honoured to be returning to the stage alongside some of my dearest friends and colleagues that I love and admire.
Have you noticed any changes in the ballet industry since you last performed?
There has definitely been an increased attention and advocacy for diversifying the ballet industry which has been a warm welcome. The industry has shown great resilience and adaptability in the face of change. The Covid-19 Pandemic significantly impacted the dance world and definitely opened our eyes to new ways of training, creating and performing. The Australian Ballet has been at the forefront of innovation and continues to evolve and meet the demands of current times.
Paul Knobloch and Amy Harris, Paragon (Topp), 2023 Photo Daniel Boud
What are you most excited about for the performance?
Being out on stage with so many wonderful people I love and admire and getting the opportunity to dance alongside all the current artists of The Australian Ballet for such a milestone event in the company's history.
What are you most nervous about?
It’s been a journey not to put the same demands and expectations on myself as I did when I was still dancing full time. I have to remind myself, I’m older and wiser now, and my body may not be able to do all the things it once could, even though my heart and spirit still want it to.
I want to allow myself a sense of freedom to inhabit my body and relish every moment on stage.
What does Identity mean to you?
Identity to me is a culmination of my beliefs, values and ultimately a reflection of my spirit. Identity in dance is such an essential component of the art form, it allows dancers to express themselves authentically whilst also creating a sense of unity and connection with others.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to dance again.”
— Paul Knobloch
Rachel Rawlins and Kevin Jackson, Giselle (van Praagh), 2010 Photo Justin Smith
Rachel Rawlins, Suite En Blanc (Lifar), 1995 Photo Jim McFarlane
Rachel Rawlins
What has the experience been like returning to The Australian Ballet as a dancer?
Returning to The Company for this season is a very special privilege. Alice approached me with gentleness and assurance which gave me the confidence that I would be capable of dancing in her work.
Once in the studio and with the nurturing support of everyone it didn’t take long to feel at ease and excited at being involved. Alice’s beautiful new work celebrating the evolution of the ballet company to where it has arrived today is the perfect vehicle for the return of some of the prominent past dancers blending them seamlessly with the current beautiful company.
Have there been any nerves?
Walking up the stairs to the Opera House stage for the first dress rehearsal is where I had that familiar nervous feeling, knowing that I was about to experience being on that stage accompanied by the orchestra again was quite emotional and overwhelming.
“The stage has always been a sacred place to me and a sanctuary that all performing artists are fortunate to share. When you step away from performing you lose this and to experience that again is a treasure for us all to hold.”
— Rachel Rawlins
To watch the guest alumni return to the stage in the awe-inspiring Paragon, click the button below and secure your tickets to this historic event.
