Young dancers from Australia and New Zealand enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity at the recent International Ballet Workshops (IBW) Summer 2020 “In the Footsteps of Vaganova” Series. IBW is known for bringing elite teachers from around the world to its twice-yearly workshops, and this most recent series saw students learning from two Russian ballet stars and international guest principal artists, Katherina Markowskaja and Maxim Chashchegorov.
The workshop tour visited Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, where dancers took part in three-day workshops, including classes in classical ballet, pointe, repertoire, body conditioning and contemporary. With the expert guidance of Markowskaja and Chashchegorov, students focussed on involving and co-ordinating their whole body in every movement and exploring new ranges of expression, achieving beautiful results. Students and parents also enjoyed Q&A sessions with the guest teachers, giving them the opportunity to gain insight into a career in ballet, company life and advice to draw upon along the way.
“To experience different styles of ballet from outstanding international faculty is wonderful,” commented Sydney parent Tracey Ingrey. “We are so grateful for the opportunities IBW gives our ballet dancers.”
Student Mietta Brookman agreed, expressing that “IBW has given me the opportunity to learn from professionals I would normally just follow on Instagram! It’s been an honour to be part of the IBW classes and learn from the best.”
As well as giving students the chance to learn from world-class teachers, IBW develops international connections for students in Australia and New Zealand, with guest teachers bringing unique opportunities at each workshop. In this case Markowskaja and Chashchegorov have offered two scholarships to train at the Prague Ballet Intensive in Czech Republic, and two scholarships to attend the Easter Dance workshops at Palucca University of Dance in Dresden, Germany. Students awarded these scholarships as well as other grants and prizes were:
Scholarship to attend Palucca Easter Dance in Dresden, plus $1500 International Travel Grant (courtesy of International Ballet Workshops): Isabella Knight from West Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Scholarship to attend Palucca Easter Dance in Dresden: Alexis McLean from The West Australian School of Dance
Scholarships to attend Prague Ballet Intensive 2020: Alice McArthur from Auckland and Jamie Bögemann from Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
$1000 IBW Professional Development Award courtesy of International Ballet Workshops: Kate Forster from Conlan College
Scholarship to attend IBW Winter 2020: Maci Smith from Sunshine Coast Conservatory of Dance
Capezio Most Exceptional Attitude Awards: Annabel Johnson, India-Rose Mace, Lara-Ann Kidman, Amelia de Paiva, Thomas Barnett, Sammy Cessario, Jade Harley, Arabella Shackel, Sophie Stretch, Olivia Davison, Lilly Marleen Mitbauer, Laura Mclean, Grace Costigan, Mia Antoniou, Morgan Renolds, Ava Aquino, Maya Prtenjaca and Alexis McLean
Bloch Most Outstanding Young Artist Award: London Yeomans, Matia Ingrey, Larissa Gavrilova, Florence Hanks-Ruttyn, Mietta Brookman, Sabela Lobb, Jessica Ding, Hannah Innes, Alice McArthur, Licia Ang, Addison Englebrecht, Ed Cooley, Eve Vlahodimos, Paige Gill, Michael Scott-Kahans, Abigail Morgan, Andie Watson and Isabella Knight
Capezio Instagram Award: Elodie Lamont from Rebekah Davey Academy of Dance
Details of the Winter 2020 workshops have just been announced with exciting news that former Royal Danish Ballet dancer, and expert in Bournonville technique, Louise Østergaard, will be treating young dancers to some incredible experiences later this year. Registrations are open now and filling fast. Go to ibwdance.com to secure your spot at what could be a life-changing experience.
Winter 2020 Tour Schedule:
Melbourne: June 28-30, at Rain & Lucky Academy of Dance
Brisbane: July 3-5, at Promenade Dance Studio
Sydney: July 8-10, at The Conlan College
Auckland: July 13-15, at Wellesley Studios
Perth: July 17-19, at The Perth School of Ballet
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