Spinning Tales

You’re a veteran of Storytime Ballet, having narrated every performance since its premiere in 2015. What is it about the project that keeps bringing you back?  

It is an absolute delight to help bring these stories to life and introduce people of all ages to the world of ballet. I am impressed every year by the talent, strength and discipline of the dancers. Many are laying the foundations for their careers ahead. We are blessed to experience the expertise of artists like David McAllister, David Hallberg, Paul Knobloch and Madeleine Eastoe.

Do you have a favourite production from the last 10 years?

Each production and character I play in them has elements I adore, though the original production, The Sleeping Beauty, steals my heart every time. Some of the audience interactions in this show have been the most memorable.

How difficult is it to balance communicating the story to young audiences while also keeping the adults entertained?

I’m aware that there are as many adults as children in our audiences. David McAllister's scripts are written with that in mind. I like to encourage the adults to lose themselves in the story just as the little ones do. Fun has no age limit. You can often hear the booming voices of the dads by the end of the show.

When did you first start performing?

I performed on the rink before the stage, competing as a roller skater from a young age. My first dance class at 16 led me to the VCA Secondary School, then to music theatre. The musicals Cats, Chicago, The Producers, Priscilla and Pippin took me around Australia and the world. It was the late Garry Ginivan, whom I worked with on my first show, Fiddler on the Roof, who put me forward for Storytime. He made a huge impact creating shows for young audiences throughout his career, and I'm committed to honouring his legacy, and will be forever grateful to him.

Did you train in any particular medium?

Dance primarily, though acting and vocal training followed when I decided to pursue music theatre. I had a lot of ground to cover, studying each discipline from my mid-teens. I was a sponge, learning all I could from the directors, musicians, choreographers and fellow actors I worked with.

Storytime Ballet is performed from December to January. What keeps you busy the rest of the year?

From February until November each year I work as a designer and draftsman for my brother's building company which is a very different world to that at The Australian Ballet.  However, I am watching the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project being built through the excellent view of The Australian Ballet rehearsal rooms. My nose is often pressed to the window on our lunch breaks. A bridge, arts spaces and communal green spaces – it's a dream project I can't wait to see finished.

This year, Storytime Ballet is a condensed version of The Nutcracker. Do you get into the holiday spirit, or are you more of a grinch?

I love celebrating Christmas with family, friends and our Storytime family. We always celebrate on tour, decorating our rooms and each other for the dress-up Christmas class. Also, every year, my parents make us a Storytime Ballet-themed gingerbread house to mark the end of rehearsal! They always go all out for the festive season. Now with little ones of my own, I can't help but get swept up in the Christmas spirit.

What would be your advice to a young person interested in performance as a career?

Pursuing a career in performance is exciting, challenging and deeply rewarding. It can be very competitive, so getting good at your craft is essential. Taking regular classes, practice and studying the masters will help build long-term success. Every opportunity teaches you something, so never stop learning. Every day is a school day! Resilience, perseverance and dedication will be your building blocks. Your body is your instrument, treating it well will help you get the most out of your career. Treating others well will also help build strong connections and lifelong friendships. The industry evolves so it's important to be adaptable, flexible and open to new ideas. Most importantly, remember why you started. When the path gets challenging, reconnecting with your “why” will help you stay motivated and authentic. And have fun!