Antonia Hewitt was born in Wellington, New Zealand, before moving to Canberra when she was a baby. Growing up, she wanted to be a farmer or an actor, but eventually it was ballet that stole her heart.
“It is a way I can escape and be someone and somewhere else for a time. I always feel like a completely different person on stage.”
She studied at the Kim Harvey School of Dance in Canberra, doing classes in classical, jazz, contemporary and “a tiny bit of tap”. From there, she went on to full time training at The New Zealand School of Dance, studying classical and contemporary.
Upon graduation, Hewitt says she was “lucky enough to be offered a contract with the Royal New Zealand Ballet immediately”.
Since starting her career with RNZB, Antonia says that the highlights have been performing the Sylph in La Sylphide, dancing the triple bill From Here to There in Europe in 2011, and dancing alongside Gillian Murphy, a principal with American Ballet Theatre. “I love to watch a dancer who is perfectly natural on stage and honest in the portrayal of their characters. I appreciate a performance that doesn’t feel forced,” she says.
She doesn’t believe in pre-performance rituals, instead saying: “I think it’s a lot safer to trust in your own ability.” What about a post-performance ritual? “First and foremost, I shower, and then I eat and find the nearest sofa to slob around on.
“I’d love to keep dancing challenging roles and have the opportunity to dance with an overseas company,” Hewitt says of her future. And it seems her agricultural dreams haven’t been forgotten: “I’d also love to be in musicals, own a farm with horses and deer and have a family.”
ASTRID LAWTON
