Juliette Barton is a featured dancer with Sydney Dance Company.
What was your childhood like?
Warm, encouraging, fun.
What was your family like?
I have two brothers and a sister, all older than me. They are very talented artistically. Two of them are graphic designers now. And my oldest brother is an accountant, like my dad. I am the only dancer in the bunch. Both Mum and Dad are really supportive; when I’m happy, they’re happy.
What is your earliest memory of dancing?
I started out with calisthenics in the local hall on Saturday mornings. A friend from school was doing it, and she encouraged me to come along. I was hooked, and ended up competing nationally for 10 years.
You joined Russell Maliphant Company in London in 2006 for a tour of the duet ‘Push’, in the role originally performed by Sylvie Guillem. Tell us how that came about.
One day on the internet I noticed that Russell was having an audition. The deadline for application had passed, but I decided to apply anyway. I had a call the next day. Luckily for me, the first audition had been unsuccessful and they were holding an additional audition for two other dancers the following day and asked me if I’d like to come. After that initial audition I spent a week in the theatre with him at Sadlers Wells in London, while he was researching the next creation. At the end of that week he offered me the job.
Was it daunting stepping into the great ballerina’s shoes?
Of course: she is incredible, and Sylvie and Russell are so beautiful doing the duet together. I had to find my own way to approach the duet, with my partner Alexander Varona, who is also a stunning dancer, and great partner. Many of the performances of Push are without question some of the most enjoyable performances of my life. It is a really special duet and I am so pleased to have danced it.
You stayed on with the company to collaborate on ‘Small Boats’. Please tell us about that.
Small Boats was a collaboration between Russell and film maker Isac Julien. As dancers we were involved in the making of the film, which included a week filming in Sicily. Then we danced with the film, as it was projected onto a white scrim in front of us, creating the effect that we would appear and disappear from behind it as the scrim was lit from the front. It was really effective, and not like anything I had done before. Working with Russell in general is an amazing experience. He has a lot of knowledge, and is very generous with sharing it with his dancers.
How did you come to join SDC?
I had really wanted to work with Rafael Bonachela for some time. I went to an audition for Bonachela Dance Company in London late last year. After the audition I was not offered the job with that company, which I was sad about until I had a call from Rafael the following week explaining he had just been appointed artistic director of Sydney Dance, and asking me if I would like to join. Of course I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
What is the best venue you have ever performed in?
My favourite theatre was at BAM Next Wave Festival in Brooklyn, New York. It was incredibly trendy and huge, but somehow still felt intimate with the audience.
What has been the best performance you have ever taken part in?
Push was incredible to perform, and holds a really special place in my heart, But we also premiered Rafael’s new work We Unfold with SDC at Sydney Theatre, and it has also been an amazing experience. Performing work that I love with a great company in Australia is pretty special.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Fellow dancers are a big influence and a great inspiration. I love watching and learning from other dancers I work with.
What do you like about yourself?
I’m persistent. I think that is a good trait, and has helped me to get where I am.
What annoys you about yourself?
I’m critical, and a perfectionist, although I think they are also good in medium doses.
What makes you sad?
When I don’t love what I’m doing.
What word would you use to describe your feet?
Worldly. They have walked/danced me all over the world.
What occupation would be furthest from your true nature?
A cleaner.
