Graduate story: Josh Fagan

How did you cope physically with the demands of the workload?

Over the course of my training with Queensland Ballet Academy we had many safe dance classes and sessions with the wellbeing and health team on how to cope physically with the demands of the workload we were undertaking. When I joined the Academy, I adapted a lot of my daily habits to physically keep up with the demands of the art form.

Some of the things I started to do daily included stretching after long sessions to release muscles and loosen-up my body. By massaging out my body regularly I greatly reduced the risk of injuries or aches and pains that inhibited my ability to train and dance. It was also important that I was refuelling my body adequately by having the right foods to heal and repair my body and my mind.

Sleep also plays a huge roll in recovery. Getting at least eight hours a night was very important for me to be able to do my very best every day. Everyone has their own little routines that help them to cope but these were what worked for me.

What was one of the main life-lessons you learnt through your full-time studies?

I learnt that consistency, determination and hard work all pay off. I find this to be true in all aspects of life, but especially when it comes to ballet. If you really want something and you apply yourself every day, then you will see yourself improve.

Josh 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.