World at their feet

Emily Masters was the first dancer from this state to be accepted into the Australian Ballet School in 17 years – and she took her first steps on stage at the eisteddfod

It wasn’t long ago that Emily Masters was twirling her way around the Derwent Entertainment Centre stage at the Southern Tasmanian Dancing Eisteddfod. The 15-year-old, who began dancing at age six, has fond memories of the bright lights, make-up and sequins of the annual event, which has ultimately helped bring her dream of being a professional ballerina closer to reality.

Masters is studying full-time at the prestigious Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, after last year being the first dancer selected from Hobart in 17 years. Once she graduates she hopes to dance with The Australian Ballet .

The days are long – she spends half a day dancing and the other half completing her Year 10 studies.

And as a boarder she’s made a big sacrifice to be away from her Sandfly home and her St Aloysius classmates.

“It was really hard at first and I still do miss my family and friends,” she says.

“But it’s such a good experience and I’m really enjoying it. I love that I get more time to do what I love.”

She credits the Southern Tasmanian Dancing Eisteddfod for unearthing her love of the stage.

“The atmosphere – being with friends, getting dressed up, putting on make-up and going on stage … it’s such a good time, a good experience to perform and develop as a dancer,” Masters says.

The event runs from now until next Saturday, with more than 5000 entries from around 25 dance schools competing in disciplines including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary and theatrical dance. Now in its 40th year, the eisteddfod began at the