CUNXIN TO TRAIN BALLET PRODIGY
ASPIRING prima ballerina Shani Wilkens will train with the author and central character of the inspirational film Mao’s Last Dancer at the Queensland Ballet Academy.
The 15-year-old Sacred Heart College student was accepted into the academy after an arduous audition. Now she will be under the watchful eye of famed dancer, now artistic director Li Cunxin.
Shani, who has danced since she was seven years old, has a particular love for classical ballet and has danced with companies including the Australian Ballet School.
The Expressions Ballet Academy student, who trains about 15 hours a week under teacher Emma
Madden, said Cunxin’s inspiring story of life as a Chinese ballet dancer during the strict communist regimen was inspiring to all dancers.
“Ballet is extremely disciplined,” Shani said.
“You have to be extremely self-disciplined, self-motivated and independent to do ballet.”
While the teenager is nervous at the prospect of moving thousands of kilometres away from her family and friends to live with a homestay family, she is excited by the prospect of dancing full-time.
“I am excited to be experiencing new things and to be able to see where ballet takes me,” Shani said.
Her ultimate goal is to dance the Swan Lake for an international ballet company.
Mum Carol Wilkens said her daughter could not have achieved the success she had without support from her teachers.
“Emma (Shani’s teacher) has always given her support and provided her with many opportunities,” she said.
Ms Madden said Shani was a dedicated, hardworking student who deserved the success she achieved.