Trained at: Newcastle Dance Academy
Presently: European School of Ballet, Amsterdam
What is your best memory of full-time training?
My best memory is training for the RAD Isobel Anderson awards.
My teachers worked our class hard and made sure we understood not just the steps for our grades but the artistry that needed to be shown.
It was one of my proudest moments to have been awarded the overall Isobel Anderson award for 2024. It was so special that I got to share that moment with my teachers and family supporting me in the audience.
How has your understanding of dance as an art form evolved during your full-time studies? Were there any particular moments or experiences that shifted your perspective?
Since starting full-time ballet training at Newcastle Dance Academy, my understanding of dance has completely changed. When I was younger, dance was just something I loved doing—it was fun, exciting, and I liked performing.
But now, I see it as so much more than just steps and routines. Dance is a way of telling stories, expressing emotions, and connecting with people without saying a word. The more I’ve trained, the more I’ve come to appreciate the details—like how the tiniest movement of your arm or the way you breathe during a phrase can change the whole feeling of a performance. I’ve also learned how much thought goes into choreography, music, and staging. It’s made me realize that ballet is a powerful art form, that requires you to be strong as well as graceful.
One moment that really shifted my perspective was when I had to learn a contemporary ballet piece for the Asian Grand Prix finals. It was completely different from anything I’d done before—less about perfect technique and more about feeling and interpretation. My teachers made sure that before I left to compete, I understood that it would be different from what I was used to, they made sure I was confident and believed in myself.
At first, I struggled because I was so used to being exact and precise. But once I let go and really connected to the movement, I understood how emotional and meaningful dance can be. That experience helped me see that being a dancer isn’t just about doing things right—it’s about making people feel something.
Follow:
Dancer Instagram: @charlieduwner
School Instagram:@NewcastleDanceAcademy