Courtney Radford, Bangarra Dance Theatre

Trained: WA Conservatoire of Classical Ballet, then Pre-Professional Program at Queensland Ballet
Presently: dancer, Bangarra Dance Theatre 

During my full-time studies at Queensland Ballet, I always had my heart set on ballet. I honestly couldn’t see myself doing anything and didn’t want to do anything besides ballet. It wasn’t until working with Amy Hollingsworth (our contemporary teacher at the time, now Artistic Director of Australasian Dance Collective) whose passion and unique style planted the seed that made me realise I also really enjoyed moving and expressing myself in a completely different way. In saying that though my career goal during my studies was to dance professionally in a ballet company.

What is your best memory of your fulltime dance studies?

It’s hard to narrow down the best memories from my time as a Pre-Professional. I had so many amazing mentors who constantly inspired me, such as Christian Tátchev, who made the learning journey so enjoyable. And of course, being able to work with Li Cunxin AO (Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet) and all the artistic staff was always a highlight each day. If I had to pick a specific memory it would be touring with the company to London and performing La Sylphide at The Coliseum. It was a surreal experiencethat I still treasure to this day.

What was one of the main life lessons you learnt through your fulltime studies? 

 The 2022 Full-Time Studies Guide is nearly ready, and is packed with interviews with students or former students talking directly about their experience. Look out for the Sep/Oct/Nov issue - OUT SOON - or subscribe and never miss an issue.