Trained at: Tanya Pearson Academy
How did the community within your program (teachers, peers) shape your experience and growth as a dancer and individual? Can you share a specific example?
As a dancer you are always learning. For me it is important to listen, observe and grow and understand that each teacher and friend are there to support and encourage you when you think you can’t do it. I have been doing Nutcracker at Sydney Youth Company/ TPA with my first performance as Friends of Clara, Clowns, Chinese dance in 2018. To be in the performance was enough at that stage, always admiring and wanting to be Clara one day, watching and absorbing as much as I could over the years of the senior dancers. My opportunity came in December 2024 where I was able to perform as Clara with my friends and all the students who are currently studying at TPA. The Nutcracker has something for every dancer and it is through this experience of performance and understanding what goes on behind the scenes, you appreciate the depth of what brings a great ballet to life on stage.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing full-time dance studies at the school you attended? What are the key things they should know or prepare for?
It starts with a routine drop off 2 days a week then becomes 5 days a week and then one day ballet becomes your passion 7 days a week. From tiny steps to your heart full of joyous leaps. Follow what drives you and listen to all the corrections and advice from your teachers and mentors. It’s important if an opportunity presents itself make yourself available and trust in the process. Through my training at TPA I now understand and appreciate the depth of industry knowledge and experience our teachers and directors give to each student to support us to reach our own individual goals. The ballet world is forever evolving and so too are our goals, I was fortunate to gain my Diploma of Elite Dance 2 years ago to support my dance education. Trust in your ability and be willing to learn and grow as a person and a dancer and give it time.
Follow:
Dancer Instagram: @svh_ballet
Studio Instagram: @TanyaPearsonAcademy