Grant Aris: 'In being different, we are ourselves.'

I began teaching when I was a dancer with the Australian Ballet for independent ballet schools during my holidays. This continued when I moved to Switzerland and when I was promoted to Ballet Master for the Geneva Ballet. I was teaching company class daily and guest teaching around the world for a variety of international ballet companies. I returned to Australia in late 2021 and for the past three years I have had the honour of nurturing the tremendously talented students at Queensland Ballet Academy.

I was drawn to teaching because I had a passion to pass on my knowledge and experience to the future artists of tomorrow.

How do you balance the importance of technique with the importance of artistry?

I like to remind my students that technique is essential and must be vigorously approached and refined in each class but also to not be shy to express their individuality as they are human beings with emotions. Dance is an art and through artistic expression we can merge the physicality of movement into a portrayal of sentiment.

What is the most rewarding part of teaching dance?

I find it immensely rewarding to observe each student’s development technically and artistically through careful consideration of personal corrections and encouragement adapted to each individual dancer’s needs.

What is the best quality a teacher can bring to the classroom?

There are many qualities that a teacher should bring to the classroom but the most important for me is to create a positive environment of well-being for students to excel with self-confidence.

What has changed since you were a student?

The main difference from my student days is the technical refinement of movement and strategies to approach this. I believe a sincere and respectful relationship between teacher and pupil is vital to developing a reciprocal trust, and with this connection it assists in the evolution of a student’s progress towards a professional career.

If you had to choose one main line of advice to pass on to your pupils, what would it be?

To never stop believing in themselves and their originality. In being different, we are ourselves. 

This article is one of several articles spotlighting teachers in the Oct/Nov/Dec issue of Dance Australia. Buy your copy from your favourite retailer or subscribe or buy online here. Print is for keeps!