We are so pleased to interview Drew Hedditch, current artist with the Australian Ballet and one of our newest appointed Board Members.
In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?
Passion, expression, refinement
What would be your favourite ballet to dance?
I find it really hard to name just one, and I’m sure that most dancers would say the same thing! I’ve
danced many ballets that I would consider a favourite but the roles within them are what I would
consider a dream, or have perhaps discovered are a dream from having had the opportunity to
dance them. Lescaut in the ballet ‘Manon’ would be a dream role that id definitely like to perform
one day, and Mercutio in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a dream role that I’ve already had the chance to perform.
Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?
I believe that ballet still has a long way to go in terms of being accessible. I know that ticket prices to attend a show are relatively expensive and also limited in the locations of performances. I think the Australian Ballet National Tour is a great initiative that has been happening for many years now however it can only happen to a limited amount of locations each year. Australia is very fortunate in the amount of ballet schools that are around however fees for classes are still of quite a high price.
The work that BWB is doing in this area is incredibly admirable and inspiring, hopefully as this charity grows more children will be able to share the passion and joy that ballet has to offer.
What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set straight?
Competitiveness. I think that there is an idea that ballet is incredibly competitive and that you need to “win” or be the best in order to be successful. I really don’t find that the case, it’s an art form full of individual expression that encourages hard work, dedication and most of all teamwork. The way that a corps de ballet will move as one, as a flock of swans on stage for example is breath taking. It doesn’t just happen, its the result of a group of dancers working together, hyper aware, sensitive to each other and an incredible support network. Yes, there will always be an aspect of competition among ballet dancers but I find it more healthy than not, an encouragement of sorts to be the best that we can be.
What are you reading right now?
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J.Maas. Part of the A court of Thorns and Roses series.
One thing that most people don't know about you?
I’m a huge AFL fan, you’ll often find me at the MCG on a weekend.
Why is the work BWB do so important?
BWB is able to give the gift that many children or even parents might not realise they needed. The joy that ballet or dance in general can bring to a child, or a parent who’re able to see their child dance is unparalleled. To be able to provide dance classes in underprivileged areas where a child may have never experienced dance, could well be the first spark of inspiration for the future of arts in this country. In my opinion the program that BWB offers could also be a huge step forward for more indigenous children to be inspired to peruse ballet, perhaps to even become a dancer or be involved in the arts. BWB is also providing scholarships that help young dancers and their family’s pay for their dance classes. I was very fortunate to have a very supportive family and attend a dance school that supported me but I know that my family still struggled at times to pay my tuition. To think that now there is a charity that is helping children and their family’s make sure that a child can continue to dance is truly heartwarming, something that means a lot to me and I’m sure resonates with many others too.
Favourite ballet to watch?
Le Lac des Cygnes. Rudolf Nureyev’ Swan Lake
If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?
Search for the best artist that you can be, don’t be afraid to try new things and more importantly don’t be afraid to fail. It will only lead to growth and that vulnerability will shape you into a better, stronger version of yourself.
You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?
Do be my best to train it and become friends with it, what a great pet!