Australia is fortunate to have a large number of youth dance companies which offer aspiring dancers a range of valuable performance opportunities and experiences. In August this year, the Young Dancers Company of Central Queensland (artistic director Wendy Barker) will perform Bournonville’s La Sylphide, staged by Harry Haythorne, former artistic director of the Queensland Ballet.
Dance Australia: What is the mission of the Young Dancers Company of Central Queensland (YDCCQ)?
Wendy Barker: The YDCCQ was established to help dance students living in regional Queensland achieve their full potential by providing professional dance experiences through performances, workshops and bursaries, thus bridging the gap between established classroom activities and the professional stage.
DA: Harry, in 1976 as artistic director of the Queensland Ballet, you were responsible for the first staging of La Sylphide in Australia. How has the ballet been modified for the YDCCQ?
HH: The YDCCQ production of La Sylphide remains faithful to the original ballet as I learnt it from Hans Brenaa who until his death was the “keeper of the Bournonville flame” for the Royal Danish Ballet. I have tried to keep any adaptations to the minimum. The biggest changes were having to substitute girls for boys in the group dances and in order to involve more of the junior dancers, giving Madge the Witch four cheeky little assistants. One of the reasons for choosing La Sylphide was that (apart from the title-role) Act 1 does not require pointe work and so enables many more dancers to participate.
DA: There are a number of guest artists/professional dancers in the lead roles. What do the younger dancers gain from working with these older, more experienced dancers?
WB: The young dancers experience a professional work atmosphere. Without exception, our guest dancers have been terrific role models, giving so much of themselves and demonstrating a good work ethic. Working with professionals gives a broader perspective on dance as an art and as a career and inspires to greater heights.
HH: By working closely with accomplished professional dancers, young dancers gain a great deal. They can begin to see why detailed technical studies are necessary and how mastery of them can lead to greater freedom of movement and expression.
DA: What else do you believe dancers gain from their involvement in the productions of youth dance companies?
WB: Learning the classics is in itself, a bonus. In addition, I have seen the students grow in confidence, which in turn helps them in their performance. Lasting friendships are developed with students from other schools and they see teachers working together. The concentrated rehearsals are challenging and demand commitment and hard work. Some must learn to deal with disappointment but all come out stronger for the experience.
WB: Participating in a production such as this with detailed rehearsals helps to give young dancers some idea of what is required over and above technical proficiency to build a credible and rounded dance character.
DA:What words of advice can you offer to dancers about performing with a youth dance company and in general for their future?
WB: It is good to break with tradition and if the opportunity to dance and work with professionals is available, grab it. It will enrich your life tenfold. You will make new friends and learn new skills. Don’t allow anything or anyone stop you if you really love to dance.
– MICHELLE DURSUN