Moree dancers had the opportunity to learn from internationally-experienced teachers during a three-day workshop at Moree Academy of Dance in the school holidays.
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A total of 37 budding ballerinas and dancers, including eight from out of town, took part in three days of dance classes, run by Ballet Workshops Australia, from Monday, April 15 to Wednesday, April 17.
It's the first time in many years since Moree Academy of Dance has hosted school holiday workshops, and owner Chelsie Assef said it was a wonderful opportunity for the students who want to do more to have access to teachers and classes usually only available in cities.
"Everyone's raving about it," she said.
"Lots of parents are interested in doing more with their kids, but getting them to bigger regional areas is tricky. It's such a good opportunity for them to be able to do extra.
"So many students who love dancing can be exposed to so many styles of dancing to excite them about it more. [Workshops] broadens the opportunities for kids."
When Miss Chelsie was approached by Laura Bailey, who has family in Moree, about Ballet Workshops Australia hosting a workshop in Moree, she jumped at the opportunity.
"It's great for kids to be able to experience different teachers and different styles of dancing - there's only so much you can do with them each week, so for them to have a few full days, they can learn so much," she said.
In addition to teaching classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and more, Ballet Workshops Australia's international and Australian teachers also worked individually with some students.
"We had some lessons with HSC student Shari Eggins who is doing an amazing job working on her dance component via distance education which is not an easy feat," Ballet Workshops Australia teacher Laura Bailey said.
"Chloe Elbourne worked amazingly well during the workshop and also in some lessons with teacher and choreographer Phoebe Fuller to learn her first contemporary solo which she will enter in the Inverell Eisteddfod and perform. We are very excited for her and cannot wait to hear how she progresses."
A number of students from Moree's Physical Culture clubs were also involved in the workshops, along with Moree Physical Culture Club teacher Sam Cosgrove, who is keen to have Ballet Workshops Australia run some tailored workshop classes in the future.
There was also a group of adult students who attended an impromptu beginners' class on the Monday afternoon, and with a demand for adult classes, Ballet Workshops Australia hopes to offer more classes for adults in the future.
At the end of the three days, awards were presented to some promising and hard-working students who showed passion, dedication and an eagerness to absorb everything they can to learn progress with their dancing.
Chloe Elbourne, Matilda Morse, Jessica Gatt and Aisha Moore received Australian Ballet encouragement awards, winning an exlusive backstage experience to watch the Australian Ballet in class at the Sydney Opera House on Friday, May 10. The company are in Sydney for their season of Giselle.
"We will be taken to watch the Australian Ballet in class as they work their bodies and prepare for the day," Laura said.
"Classes are not open to the public and this is a special opportunity to watch professional dancers as they fine-tune their bodies ready for the demands of performing."
Laura said Ballet Workshops Australia loved their time in Moree and hope to return again soon for another workshop.
"Everyone in attendance was a delight to teach and all three of our teachers have said they'd be delighted to return to Moree for future workshops," she said.
