Q&A with Olivia Bell

We were thrilled to sit with Olivia Bell recently, as the newest appointed member of Ballet Without Borders! Olivia was a principal dancer of The Australian Ballet and currently lives with her husband and 4 children in Melbourne.

1. In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Storytelling. Belonging. Expression

2. What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

That is a bit like asking which is my favourite child…
I always loved performing technically challenging roles with a strong story line. Characters such as Manon, Baroness in Swan Lake, Flavia in Spartacus and Scheherazade are some that come to mind.

3. Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I had a lot of help along the way … I remember extended family buying my pointe shoes when my mum couldn’t, also ballet schools offering me scholarships to support tuition. I won many competitions which offered prize money. If it wasn’t for that support I may not have been able to continue in ballet.

4. What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?

There are so many…
I actually don’t believe that many “non ballet people” understand the sacrifices made by everyone in a ballet family… it takes over your spare time, your family time (holidays) your life. I also know that ballet dancers are sometimes seen as uptight, conservative restrained individuals who haven’t lived life to the fullest because of ballet - from my experience on the contrary is true - dancers are free spirited, open minded individuals who develop a strong sense of self from an early age and often gain life skills and independence at a much younger age than most .

5. What are you reading right now?

There are 3 books on my bedside table at the moment but I am mostly reading “Wifedom” by Anna Funder. It is about George Orwell and his relationship with his wife Eileen.
Another book I am reading is ‘The Secret Barrister ‘ stories of the Law and how it’s Broken’. I love real life crime and related stories. Dark stuff that keeps me thinking.
The third book is one I started reading 2 years ago… chipping away slowly. Maybe not worth the mention.

6. 1 thing that most people don't know about you?

Well I actually think that anyone who knows me well knows this about me - I am a passionate knitter… my mum and grandparents all knitted and I learnt from a very young age. Receiving a hand knitted garment is very special- I love making bespoke knits for special people in my life.

7. Why is the work BWB do so important?

BWB brings together 2 things I love - ballet and opportunity. Both are sacred to me and if I can be involved in an organisation which offers this to others then I feel an immediate connection. Sharing the love of a platform of expression which has given me immense joy and fulfilment is invaluable.

8. Favourite ballet to watch?

Another tough one to answer because ballet to me is so much more than the visual and the steps.  Music makes up so much of a performance, so does connecting with your character and audience. Because of that I have to love the music as much as the choreography, therefore most Tchaikovsky ballets are my favourites.

9. If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

The advice I would give myself is to give more thank you’s and gratitude along the way. So many people helped me achieve my dream and I would go back in time and thank them all individually.

10. You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

teach it to dance!!!

Q&A with Kirby Selchow

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Passion, joy, freedom

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

This question is really hard for me to answer.. My ten years with RNZB I have been really fortunateto have been involved in 17 new creations for the company, so a few highlights of mine would be having the role of Gretel in the full length ballet Hansel & Gretel choreographed by resident choreographer Loughlan Prior in 2019 after this ballet I was promoted to Soloist. Another work is Stand To Reason Choreographed by Andrea Schermoly, this work is a strong contemporary work with 8 women and is about the women’s suffrage movement “ Ten Reason Why Women Should Vote”, Another ballet is Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Nights Dream this was created on the company in 2015 and toured to Honk Kong in 2016, later this year the company is performing this ballet for our end of year production.

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

Ballet has traditionally been associated exclusivity due to factors like cost and accessibility to training. However, efforts to make it more accessible through outreach programs, scholarships and digital platforms are helping to broaden its reach. It is great that we live in a society / generation now that so big with its online platforms that makes ballet easily accessible, however it’s not universally accessible yet, there are still barriers for some individuals due to factors like cost and location.

What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?

That ballet is just for females and its all Tiaras and tutus! Male dancers play a crucial role in ballet performances, demonstrating strength, agility and grace. This misconception overlooks the significant contributions of a male dancer to this art form and the diverse roles they perform. You would never have a picture without its frame and every partner needs their strong frame.

What are you reading right now?

David McAllisters – Ballet Confidential

One thing that most people don't know about you?

I iron my bed sheets! Yes I cant get into my bed without freshly Ironed sheets.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

A lot of my “non” ballet friends say that they wished they could have done ballet when they where younger but their parents couldn’t afford and yet pay to go se the ballet. BWB are opening a door and is making accessible to the wider community that have never ben exposed to ballet, for those who have been less fortunate or have never had the chance to dance. By sharing this wonderful ballet community its gives every child an opportunity to become ballet lovers and to inspire our future generations to continue to pass on this long life legacy.

Favourite ballet to watch?

Graeme Murphy Swan Lake! I remember when I was young seeing this ballet for the time I was transfixed, my mum also brought me the “ on the wings of a swan” DVD which is about when The Australian ballet toured to the UK with this ballet, I think I watched it every weekend.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I have always been really hard on myself and even till this day. I would tell my younger self to believe, trust and be kind to yourself because you have gift, you work hard and hard work pays off. Everyone has something different to offer.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I’d focus on providing it with the best care possible, open a Elephant sanctuary creating a suitable living environment, ensuring it has proper nutrition and exploring opportunities for it to serve as an ambassador for wildlife conservation or education programs. If it was an ornamental elephant I would give it a good polish put it on the shelf, and hope it would bring me good luck, happiness and prosperity.

Q&A with Kathleen Hamilton

This month we had the pleasure of interviewing Artistic Director of Australian Institute of Classical Dance, Kathleen Hamilton who are also one of our latest partners to support the work that we do.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Emotion, being, giving.

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

A pas de deux choreographed to a favourite adagio piece of music. I think it is the music which compels one to dance. I had the good fortune of dancing a pas de deux to Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise”. It was like stepping into heaven each time we performed it.

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

No, I don’t think ballet is readily accessible because of the expense to go and see ballet live and the expense of lessons and dance gear for those wanting to learn ballet. Other arts, such as singing, music or acting, can accessed by community-based clubs or groups but not for ballet. In this country, visual arts seem to be well catered for in the way of public art galleries but the performing arts have always struggled from not enough government funding. In countries where the performing arts are well subsidised, the access to reasonably priced tickets is much better.

What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?  

Ballet is often thought of as an elite art to view and an elite activity for children to learn because of the expense involved. It would be great to bring ballet into the early learning and primary school education system as a part of the sports subjects, combining it with other forms of dance and using ballet exercised as part of warming up for track and field, ball games and other sports activities. Ballet might become recognized as a fitness and good health activity as well as an art form. This might encouraging more interest and understanding of ballet.

What are you reading right now?

“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.

One thing that most people don’t know about you?

I am pretty much an open book so I can’t think of anything that most people don’t know about me. I try not to despair of the violence and abuse of power in the world but focus on the amazing human, creative, spirit which has enhanced our world throughout history.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

I think some people are born dancers but for lack of encouragement or opportunity in life, miss out on fulfilling their talent. BWB could be a game changer for these circumstances.

Favourite ballet to watch?

Kenneth McMillans “Romeo and Juliet” and Fredrick Ashton’s “A Mid-Summer Nights Dream” Both ballets tell the stories so well and both are so musically choreographed.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell my 15yr old self to forget about being shy, have the confidence to push oneself forward and instead of being afraid of failing, learn from experiences and not to lose self-awareness and confidence.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I would rally around friends, family and community and make it a communal challenge to find local accommodation, food and nurturing for the Elephant. A challenge shared is a challenge solved and the joy of success is also shared.

Q&A with Franziska Rosenzweig

Franziska Rosenzweig, founder of Holistic Ballet® and creator of the Holistic Ballet DVD series, was born in Berlin, East Germany. After graduating from the State Ballet School in Berlin, she danced with the German State Opera Berlin (now Staatsballet Berlin) and the Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark. In 1998, Franziska relocated to London, transitioning from a freelance artist to a ballet teacher, concurrently adding Gyrotonic®, Pilates, and yoga to her skill set. Her teaching engagements spanned locations like India, and included professional dance companies like Random Dance, Richard Alston, and Ballet Prejlocaj. Presently, Franziska teaches amateur dancers at Pineapple Dance Studios and her studio in East London.

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

complex, challenging, life-changing

What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

My favourite part of dancing was Tchaikovsky pas de deux. I loved the female solo the first time I saw it and I was fortunate to be given that role a few years later. I wish I could have danced it with the knowledge I have now to make it even more enjoyable.

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe the UK has varied outreach programmes for school children. However, to attend more serious ballet training without being on the path of a professional dancer and a scholarship may be very costly.

What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set

straight?  

As I am in the field of amateur adult ballet training, the most common misconceptions are that one has to be young and flexible to attend ballet classes, and probably female too.

What are you reading right now?

I just started reading ‘Determined: Life Without Free Will by Robert Sapolsky. I am not sure whether I will manage to read the entire volume but as I am also a trained hypnotherapist, I am fascinated by the way our minds work. That’s another thing I wish I had known more about during my active dancing career.

One thing that most people don’t know about you?

My great dislike for chamomile tea.

Why is the work BWB do so important?

There would be too many things to list. But to name a few: every child should have the right to explore and express themselves kinetically through dance. Moreover, movement and dance education help to counteract the negative physical and mental consequences of our sedentary culture and screen time addiction. In our current society, where anything that does not promise immediate measurable profit is seen as dispensable, we need organisations like BWB to challenge these ideologies and show how crucial movement and dance are the the development of children’s social skills and their evolving brains.

Favourite ballet to watch?

I was absolutely mesmerised by Sharon Eyal’s Half-Life that the Berlin Staatsballet streamed for free during lockdown. I usually find it difficult to watch dance on a screen but this piece and the incredible dancers drew me in completely. I hope to get the chance to watch it live one day.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would encourage my younger self to find a confidant to talk to. As a teenager, I was extremely withdrawn and dealt with my problems on my own instead of seeking mental and emotional support.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I guess, I would have to give up my life as it is, take my cat Herbert, and move to a place where Icould make a home for us and the elephant.

Q & A with Vito Bernasconi

We had the pleasure of interviewing Vito, current soloist with The Queensland Ballet.

1. In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

Passion, Courage, Creativity

2. What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. While I’ve performed Tybalt, Mercutio, Lord Capulet and Lead Mandolin, I’ve never performed Romeo and hopefully one day I can experience the role.

3. Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form to watch and perform in metropolitan areas, and the more outreach we can undertake as a community, the more possibility there is to affect many more future dancers and performers in wider reaching areas of this country and the world. 

4.  What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?  

I have a few:

Ballet is not just for girls, it is for anyone and everyone. Ballet does not define your sexuality. MYTH: Ballet is easy. FACT: Anyone who does ballet requires a high level of physical, mental, psychological and emotional fortitude. It is an art form for the strong, focussed and determined. 

5. What are you reading right now?

I have just finished ‘What Doesn’t Kill Us’ by Scott Carney, and am excited to have begun reading ‘Mr. Einstein’s Secretary’ by Matthew Reilly. He’s one of my favourite authors. 

6. 1 thing that most people don't know about you?

I hate sand out of context. Unless I’m having a beach day and able to rinse it off, it really annoys me. 

7.  Why is the work BWB does so important? 

Everyone needs art in their lives and I believe that everyone deserves to express themselves creatively and passionately in any way they wish. With the mission of bringing ballet to as many people as possible, BWB is ensuring that more people have the possibility to have ballet enriching and enhancing their lives. 

8. Favourite ballet to watch?

I have always admired After The Rain by Christopher Wheeldon. The music, Spiegel I’m Spiegel by Arvo Pärt, and choreography have an incredible symbiotic connection and it has been a dream of mine to one day perform the main Pas De Deux.

9. If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would go back to any time that I’ve had a big decision to make and remind myself, ‘Trust your instincts and follow your heart’. 

10. You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I would call it Dumbo, Trunks or Stampy and wonder how I was going to get it up to, and fit in, my apartment! I would also be obligated to come into any awkward conversation to comprehensively and effectively express, ‘the elephant in the room’.

Q&A with Callum Linnane

c. Jeff Busby

This month we had the pleasure of interviewing the recently promoted principal artist of The Australian Ballet, Callum Linnane. Callum was accepted into The Australian Ballet School in 2008 and graduated dux with honours. He joined The Australian Ballet in 2015; he was promoted to coryphée in 2017, to soloist in 2018, to senior artist in 2021, and to principal artist in 2022. Callum was recognised as Telstra’s dancer of the year in 2016 and has delivered incredible performances as The Prince in Alexei Ratmansky's Cinderella and Vaslav Nijinsky in John Neumeier's Nijinsky amongst many others.

In 3 words, what does dance mean to you?

Necessity, expression, truth.

 Favourite ballet to dance?

My favourite ballet to dance is probably John Neumeier's Nijinsky. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first full-length principal role I performed. I loved the movement vocabulary and having the opportunity to dive into Vaslav's psyche.

Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe there is still work to be done in this area. For example, if you grow up in a remote area, there may not be a ballet school close enough to attend a class. And even if you do, ballet class can be very expensive for families considering the class cost, uniform, shoes etc. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as the exposure to sports one gets at school. You can send your child to school, and at lunchtime, they can kick a footy around, they can play some basketball, or they can pick up a pen and paper and draw something. I wish it were a little easier to access ballet in everyday life. The one positive is that it's easy to watch ballet online and through social media.

What is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?  

That it's entirely feminine. Ballet requires strength and discipline. Moving your body to music has nothing to do with femininity or masculinity - it's just expressing oneself however that may be for the person.

What are you reading right now?

"Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris.

1 thing that most people don't know about you?

I love listening to ASMR. It’s so calming.

Ballet Without Borders aims to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience ballet- if you had ultimate power for a day what would you do to make this happen?  

I would arrange for every single child to experience a ballet performance. So in every little town, everywhere, there is a world-class ballet performance that is free to go and watch. Maybe that will inspire the next generation of dancers who may never have even crossed paths with ballet.

Favourite ballet to watch?

This changes all the time. But right now I would happily watch The Lady of the Camellias by John Neumeier or Shoot the Moon by Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon.

If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell my 12 year old self to stretch more! No, I would also tell my teenage self to go lightly. Don't get so emotional about things. If you take the emotion out of things, you can approach things with a clearer mind and not get so upset and angry. This applies to life in the ballet studio and outside of the studio. And one more thing, stop worrying about what other people think.

You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

I care for this elephant, this elephant and I become the best of friends and live a happy life together.

Ballet and Innovation

Recently I have been fortunate enough to participate in the Ci2016 innovation conference. It was extremely interesting, full of motivational speakers who spoke about innovation from the perspective of enabling humans to live better lives. 

A presence that was missing came from the arts sector. Most of the representatives were large government and private organisations. 

As dancers do we not create every time that we are in the studio, on stage. Our job, surely is to move people. The heart sends up to 15 times more messages that are up to 5000 stronger to the brain then the brain does to the heart. 

There was also interesting discussions around the education system and how this stifles creativity and puts children in a box-to sit exams and write papers. How do we change this perception that creativity is a dead end for a successful and fulfilling career when technology is paving the way precisely for those who are creative and innovative. 

How do we utilise innovation to help dancers? How can we use the technology available to monitor health, to connect those who do not have the pathways to access dance education and performance and foster continuous growth and development of this beautiful art form?