Lorraine Blackbourn is a teacher and Cecchetti senior examiner who ran the Heidelberg Dance Ensemble (with dance historian Edward Pask), in Melbourne from 1978 to 1988. She was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in this year's Australia Day honours list.
How old were you when you first started teaching?
I was teaching and dancing from the age of 16 years with the National Theatre Ballet.
Did you open your own school or did you teach for someone else first?
I taught for the National Theatre. I went out to various towns in Victoria (weekly train trips) including Frankston, Horsham and Ararat. In 1959 I opened the Heidelberg & District Ballet School. When I am away examining, here and overseas, I also give various master and scholarship classes. Over the years, and through all levels, I have had the pleasure of watching students grow and develop to perform with the Australian Ballet, English National Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet as well as in many major musicals.
How did the Heidelberg Dance Ensemble evolve?
I opened my own school in the RSL in Heidelberg. The school continued to grow and I had studios in Ivanhoe, Greensborough, Warrandyte, Whittlesea and Mt Macedon (Clyde Boarding School). Edward Pask and I were colleagues
from the National Theatre days and we met up again at a dinner held by the Australian Ballet. Together we decided to start up the Ensemble.
How often did the ensemble perform?
There were between 20 and 35 performances a year throughout NSW, Victoria and South Australia. When on tour we would also perform in primary and secondary schools.
What was a highlight?
Not one particular moment just the absolute joy of being able to bring together the talent of advanced students and former professional dancers and to be seen by a grateful and appreciative public. It was also being able to provide opportunities for choreographers to display their talents and become established in their field.
Do you have a memory of a particular special performance?
We did an evening performance at the Cell Block in Sydney. The combination of the eeriness and past history of the venue created an atmosphere that I have not experienced anywhere else. In 1983 the Ensemble performed to raise money for the bush fires: that was also a memorable moment.
What do you most enjoy about teaching dance?
Passing on a heritage of dance to students who want to learn and the joy of seeing a dancer make the transition from student to professional or student to teacher.
What is the hardest part of your job?
To be everywhere for everybody at the same time, especially my family who always come first.
Have you seen any significant changes in ballet teaching or ballet students over the years?
Yes, but to define them is difficult. Students today seem to be educated on a more concentrated level than ever before in their academic studies and they are surrounded by so much technology that subsequently the teaching of dance has had to change. Their reasons for dancing seem to be different at times, but essentially the end result is the same.
What do you find is the most common advice you give to students?
To have respect for their peers and teachers and to approach their studies with a goal in mind.
You were also a voluntary probationary officer. How did you get into that?
I was working at a gym where I provided counselling for the clients for various reasons. I was approached by a parole officer and asked to apply for a position, so I did. I provided counselling for offenders on probation.
What does it involve?
I was appointed by his Excellency the Governor to the Adult and Children’s courts in Victoria. Notification of my appointment appeared in the Governor’s Gazette on the 30th May 1973. After extensive study and training I was accepted. I would accompany youths and adults to court during interviews, including students if they didn’t have a guardian available. Offenders would be put on probation from their sentence and then would have to report to me and if they got into any trouble I would help them get back on track.
Why do you do it?
I think that it was just in my nature to want to help people. Everyone deserves a chance regardless of their circumstances. I was always one of those kids that would bring home a stray puppy or two (with the belt from my dress) for Mum to feed and look after.
What qualities do you most admire in others?
Dedication, honesty, respect and a sense of humour.
