YOUNG Ballarat ballerinas had the chance to meet Australian ballet great Olivia Bell on Sunday.
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The former principal of the Australian Ballet led classes for budding local dancers as part of the inaugural Local Extension and Acceleration Program.
The 34 students, aged from nine to 14 years, had the chance to learn some finer moves, with Ms Bell instructing two specialised classes.
Participants also had the chance to ask Ms Bell, who is no stranger to Ballarat, questions about her career, with many interested in the fact she began when she was nine years old – the age of many of the dancers in the class.
“It goes to show there is no set way. Everyone’s journey is different. I hope they take that away and know they can be anything they want and not a cardboard fit-out,” Ms Bell said.
The program was a collaborative concept of three local ballet teachers – Trudy Harris, Kerry Moore and Justine Morris – who wanted to give specialty students across all schools the chance to attend six master classes with noted guest teachers this year.
Ms Harris said the program allowed students to learn from the best in the industry.
“This is an amazing opportunity for the students, who will learn and achieve so much from the program,” she said.
“It also allows dancers from all schools to come together.”
The next session will be in April.