Graduate story: Amber Mitchell-Knight
Studied: The National Ballet School
Now: Company Artist with Queensland Ballet
The decision to study at the National Ballet School (NBS) in St Kilda in Melbourne was life changing for Amber. “It forced me to leave home and move interstate away from my family. It was a scary choice at 15 but a necessary step towards my goal,” she explains.
NBS soon became her Melbourne family. “It had incredible training and an environment which enabled me to grow and flourish into an independent young artist. The most supportive mentor, Mr Damian Smith (Artistic Director), guided me and helped me grow. NBS offered a Diploma and Advanced Diploma degree in Dance which I undertook while there, broadening my understanding of dance and a career in performing arts.”
Ballet had always been Amber’s dream. The opportunity to dance in a company with amazing dancers was an exciting prospect. NBS made her dream possible but also opened her eyes to the many other opportunities after her ballet career was over. She is aware a ballet career can be short. So, though she is still “ballet focused”, she has also developed a keen interest in nutrition and dietetics and how fuelling the body aids performance and hopes at some point to undertake university studies in this area.
“I found the staff at NBS were incredibly happy to listen and help all students work towards their individual goals,” she says.
“Personally, NBS taught me I am capable of whatever I want with hard-work, dedication and the right support around me. Making sacrifices and remaining focused on my goals is important, as is not letting fear or hesitation hold me back. Choosing to take responsibility for my future at 15 was definitely a big decision, but in finding family and support at NBS my dream became a reality and I am now so grateful and privileged to be dancing with Queensland Ballet since graduating from NBS in 2021.”
Amber is just one of many graduates who tell their stories in the Full-Time Studies Guide in the current issue of Dance Australia (July/August/September). Print is for keeps! Buy your issue in your favourite newsagent or dance retailer or online here or here.