Meet Camillo Ramos

How long have you been teaching?

I actually started teaching while I was still Principal Artist at Queensland Ballet. When they offered me the permanent position two years ago, I was still physically at my prime so never thought about retiring.

 What drew you to teaching dance?

Even though I started ballet at a very young age, I still love it. I love the dancing, the music, the acting, and I just want to pass on this beautiful art form to younger generations.

 Do you specialise in a particular age group?

I’m the co-coordinator of the Pre-Professional Program, where I train and prepare students who are aiming to join a professional company. Interestingly, the cohort I’m currently teaching were my very first group of students five years ago. It’s been rewarding to see how they’ve grown and transformed in the last few years.

 How do you balance the importance of technique with the importance of artistry in your students?

Dancers sometimes forget ballet is an art form. Musicality, artistry, storytelling is as important as technique. Therefore, right from the beginning, I make sure the students understand that they are artists before anything else. I like to set a “theme” for my exercises. For example, today is a “sad” exercise. So, where do you place your head? How do you use your arm? What is your facial expression? Every movement has to be executed together with storytelling. Otherwise, it’s just a step, it wouldn’t make sense.

 What is the most rewarding part of teaching dance?

The most rewarding part is to see my students on stage. It’s always great to see their improvement and what they have achieved after long hours of training in the studio. I always feel very proud of them.

 What has changed since you were a student?

Where do I start? To begin with the facilities are so much better today. Back in Cuba, I used to dance on wooden floors and now students at the Academy have professional spring floorings with big studio spaces. Other than that, I find that there’s more communication between students and teachers. Instead of just me talking at them, telling them what I want, it’s more of a two-way conversation which allows me to better understand their thoughts. 

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

With every performance, make sure the audience leaves the theatre inspired, full of emotions. Show the audience how special ballet is and how this unique art form can move people’s souls.

Holiday Training Programs at Queensland Ballet Academy, Kelvin Grove

• Junior Summer School 

        December 11 – 14, 2023
        For dancers aged 7 – 9

• ‘The Nutcracker’ Repertoire Workshop

        December 18 – 20, 2023
        For dancers aged 10 – 18

• Summer Schools

        January 8 – 20, 2024
        For dancers aged 10 – 18

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