London's Royal Opera House is abuzz with anticipation for another season of Christopher Wheeldon's whimsical Alice in Wonderland, and for Australian ballet fans, there's even more reason to cheer. Brisbane-born First Artist, Amelia Townsend, is set to make history by becoming the first female dancer at The Royal Ballet to portray the flamboyant and eccentric Mad Hatter.
This iconic role, originally choreographed on Australian principal dancer Steven McRae in 2011, has been a male preserve since the ballet's inception. Townsend's casting marks a significant and exciting shift, showcasing her remarkable versatility and The Royal Ballet's openness to new interpretations.
"I felt immense excitement quickly followed by, ‘am I sure I can actually pull this off?’ haha," Townsend recounts of the moment she received the news of her casting. "I think the staff had more faith in my tapping abilities than I did, but I was so grateful they believed in me because the process has already been so fulfilling, and I know it’s going to be really exciting to perform this role."
Stepping into a role so famously originated by a male dancer, especially one as celebrated as Steven McRae, comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. "I think like every role, you interpret it in your own way," Townsend explains. "No two people perform a role or character identically, so the same applies here. At first, when I was learning it, I definitely felt intimidated stepping into a role that was made so famous by Steven McRae, but I knew I had to find my own interpretation of the character."
Townsend is relishing the creative journey of discovering her own Mad Hatter. "I’ve been enjoying discovering what my version of ‘The Mad Hatter’ looks like, and I know the more performances I do in this role, the more layers I will be able to explore and create." This personal exploration promises to bring a fresh and captivating dynamic to the character, offering audiences a new lens through which to experience the Wonderland tea party.
The technical and theatrical demands of the Mad Hatter role are formidable, and Townsend has encountered some surprising aspects along the way. "This might sound silly, but I think what has surprised me most about this role is how exposing it is," she reveals. "It’s not the same as going on for a ballet role; if you have a little slip or lose your balance you can take a small step or find a way to cover it up easily. Because my feet will have a microphone attached, I have to make sure every single step I take on stage is on the exact beat. That might sound obvious, but the reality of every step being heard is quite challenging."
Beyond the precise rhythm, the Mad Hatter's iconic headwear also presents its own unique set of demands. "There is also a lot of hat work in this role (who would’ve guessed!) so making sure I’m focused not just on the steps but also the way I move the hat. It has to make sense; it can’t just be a dead prop in my hands."
Perhaps one of the most unexpected, and exciting, elements for Townsend has been the return to tap dancing. "I haven’t tapped in at least 13 years, so getting the skill back has been challenging but also a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to dancing on stage in something other than pointe shoes." This lively shift from her usual pointe work promises to be a refreshing experience for her.
Townsend's journey to this groundbreaking moment has been one of dedication and talent. Her early days at her mother's studio, the Annette Roselli Dance Academy in Brisbane, laid the foundation, followed by further training at The Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. Her international trajectory then led her to The Royal Ballet School in 2015.
Joining The Royal Ballet’s Aud Jebsen Young Dancers Programme at the start of the 2018/19 Season, Townsend quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming an Artist in 2019 and achieving her current status as First Artist in 2023. Her rise within one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies speaks volumes of her commitment to her artistry.
For Townsend, this experience is not just about her personal artistic growth but also about representing her home country. "Being an Australian dancer on this particular journey, it feels like a really special moment," she reflects. "To be able to bring a bit of my own spirit and background to such a unique role on a global stage is something I'm incredibly proud of."
Audiences will be eager to witness Townsend's unique take on the Mad Hatter. Her performance is set to add another exciting chapter to the legacy of Australian dancers on the world stage.
See Amelia's introduction to the role here.
Follow Amelia and The Royal Ballet on Instagram.
-Olivia Weeks