Holly lives ballerina’s dream
It is every young ballerina’s dream to one day step onto stage as part of an Australian Ballet production.
That dream has already become a reality for 11-year-old Holly Phillips of Drouin.
Holly joined the cast of Australian Ballet’s “Nutcracker – The Story of Clara” staged at the Melbourne Arts Centre last week.
The joy of dance is evident from Holly who attends KC’s School of Dance in Warragul. She said being part of five shows plus a full rehearsal of the Australian Ballet production had given her plenty of inspiration.
“It’s a huge privilege; it’s really fun as well,” enthused Holly.
The youngster said the huge backstage area and orchestra pit were all new as was watching the professional dancers prepare. She said a highlight was speaking with principal artist Robyn Hendrick and senior artist Amy Harris.
“They’re so good and I just wish I could be them one day,” said Holly. “I’d like to be a principal dancer. Seeing all the dancers backstage is so cool, and then I look them up on Google.”
Holly is currently in grade six at St Thomas Aquinas in Tynong. After starting dance at the age of five, Holly has made great leaps towards her dancing dream after this year being accepted into the Australian Ballet School.
She competed in the Alana Haines Australasian Awards in New Zealand during April as will perform as a finalist in the Ballet Teachers’ Workshop in August.
She is also studying for two ballet examinations this year.
As part of the Australian Ballet School, Holly travels to Melbourne every Wednesday after school for specialist classes. In preparation for the show, she attended rehearsals every day over three weeks.
Holly was cast as an Imperial Conservatoire student after the audition process. She said being one of the shortest in her extension program was of benefit. Only 40 young dancers were selected, 20 in each cast.
Being advised of her successful audition during the Moe Dance Eisteddfod, Holly said “I was just so happy and really excited”.
Asked what she liked most about dance, Holly said “it’s just fun”.
“And I like to watch other people dance and see them having fun, and then I feel like I want to dance.”
“Nutcracker – the Story of Clara” is Graeme Murphy’s uniquely Australia reimagining of “The Nutcracker”.