As the five incredible nominees begin their journey into the 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards, we get the inside scoop from someone who knows the process better than anyone.
2022 winner and The Australian Ballet Senior Artist, Rina Nemoto, chats about what winning has meant to her and her advice for the current group of hopeful artists.
Rina Nemoto after winning the TBDA Rising Star Award
What has been the highlight of winning the 2022 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award?
I am so honoured to receive a Telstra Rising Star Award. I have really appreciated Telstra and The Australian Ballet for giving me this amazing opportunity and for supporting me throughout the journey. I was so lucky to be able to share this experience with my other talented nominees.
The highlight was the day I received the award. I will never forget that moment, it was so special, and it meant (and still means) so much to me.
Rina Nemoto
Photo Pierre Toussaint
What advice would you give the 2023 nominees?
The 2023 nominees are all such beautiful and talented dancers!
I was nominated three times, and I enjoyed the TBDA journey every time. Telstra gives us (the dancers) an amazing opportunity to share our stories. The last time I was nominated I made sure I was very clear about what story I wanted to tell through social media. It was important for me to share my experience and send a message to all young dancers who want to become a professional ballet dancer one day.
This is such an amazing experience. I know all the nominees will enjoy the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award journey!
Rina Nemoto
Photo Kate Longley
In the past 12 months you’ve been promoted from Soloist to Senior Artist, how have you grown as an artist?
After I received the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award and was promoted to Senior Artist, I gained more confidence in both my dancing and in myself. I always try to dance from the bottom of my heart. I want to be a dancer that lives forever in the audience’s heart, so I am working towards that.
Everything that I’ve experienced up to now is what has made me what I am today. So, I do my best every day and I try to absorb everything like a sponge and try to improve myself!
Rina Nemoto and Jarryd Madden in John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet, 2022
Photo Daniel Boud
What have been some of your favourite roles over the past 12 months?
Juliet from Romeo and Juliet. Juliet is everyone’s dream role, and I really enjoyed every rehearsal and performance. I also think I grew a lot as an artist in this role and I treasure every memory from that season, it was an unforgettable experience!
Rina Nemoto in Swan Lake, 2016
Photo Kate Longley
What ballet are you most looking forward to performing in this year?
All the repertoires are very exciting this year. But if I have to choose one, then it would be Swan Lake.
Baby ballerina Rina
What is your dream ballet role?
It’s hard to choose one. I want to dance Manon one day!
Rina joins a long list of former Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winners who went on to become some of The Australian Ballet’s most iconic dancers. To meet our 2023 nominees and vote for your favourite, click the button below.
