Michelle Dursun weighs up the opportunities with the expense.
It has been a sensational year for young Australian dancers competing at international ballet competitions. The talent (read dedication, hard work and perseverance) of Australian dancers really does run deep. In Dance Australia we have published article after article celebrating their achievements. Whatever you attribute this success to -- something in the water; the work ethic of Australian dancers; the outstanding training they receive or our national competitive nature -- there’s no doubt that some young dancers have benefited hugely from the exposure and opportunities provided by international competitions.
Yet behind every success story is the real story of a family weighing the dreams of their talented and aspiring son or daughter against the expenses and sacrifices required. There is a price to pay -- literally as well as in terms of the time and energy required to support and often accompany the child overseas. So how do families weigh up the benefits versus the cost and what are the other options or avenues if the equation does not balance? The good news is that participation in international ballet competitions is just one of the pathways for young dancers to realise their dreams.
Young dancers have many options to compete internationally. The calendar is dotted with prestigious competitions. These include the Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland); Youth America Grand Prix (New York); Alana Haynes Australasian Awards (New Zealand) open to dancers in Australasia; The Genee International Ballet Competition (different country each year), as well as a range of international syllabus competitions. Every year young Australian dancers submit DVD applications in the hopes of selection as a finalist at these competitions.
So what are the benefits and what are the cost?
This is an extract from an article by Michelle Dursin in the Dec/Jan issue of Dance Australia, available now from your favourite retail outlet or download our free app to purchase a copy HERE.