Tasman David
Tasman David’s English mother and grandparents settled in Christchurch, New Zealand, 25 years ago, five years before Tasman was born. Tasman’s adventure in dance began with Irish dancing and he enjoyed it so much he also began classical training at Southern Ballet.
One of Tasman’s teachers was Louidmilla Solovieva from Perm. Tasman says: “I always admired Russian training after experiencing a small taste of the technique from Louidmilla.”
After completing his Year 12 in a specialist music, theatre and dance program at Burnside High School, Tasman continued his dance training at Ecole Ballet and Dance Theatre in Sydney. While there, Ecole prepared an audition DVD for Tasman showing barre, centre work and a short variation.
Tasman’s plans were dampened somewhat after nine months off with a serious foot injury and a lack of opportunities for the next stage, but with his family and Russian teacher’s support, he re-grouped “and it was the discovery of the international trainee course that sparked my interest in the possibility of going to Russia”.
He then set his sights on the Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg. Firstly he sent photos via email to the head of the international department, who passed them on to the artistic faculty. Then he sent his DVD. He was over the moon to be accepted and believes he is the first NZ student to attend.
Fundraising in NZ commenced in earnest and Tasman’s family was lucky to obtain grants and donations to assist with the NZ$30,000 he needed to meet the fees and other expenses required to do the course. He began in September, 2011, for a 10-month intensive training program with 20 other foreign students. (The Vaganova Academy itself has over 300 Russian students in its renowned eight-year program.)
”It was very hard at first and a huge culture shock but I have great friends here who have taught me a huge amount not only about the language but about Russian culture in general.”
There are six boys in his Level 7 classical class. He says: “Sometimes there are language difficulties in class but the teacher, a soloist with the Mariinsky, mostly demonstrates clearly.” Tasman aspires to stay for Level 8 and Level 9, which he says is an added professional year.
He reveals that his body is constantly under stress and “some mornings I just feel I can’t do it. It is a different world of dance from what I have experienced before in more privileged countries. I’ve never seen teachers and students work so hard. My teacher is described as tough but he forces students to get better.
We are encouraged in repertoire or rehearsals, but not in class.
“My day starts at 9 am every day except Sundays and most days are taken up by three classes. We study classical every day for about two hours, then I have Russian lessons for about an hour and a half. Then we have lunch, followed by athletics (weights, flexibility, etc), and each day finishes with either acting, duet, modern or character. In terms of boarding arrangements I am lucky to have a room to myself, which has been great, and there are nine other boys living on my floor, who are all great. And Skype, email and internet access are all very good over here.”
So far his highlight has been dancing at the Mariinsky Theatre in a school production of The Nutcracker in The Waltz of the Flowers. The lowlight was “definitely a bout of food poisoning and eight days in a Russian hospital!” Tasman’s next performance will be in a separate concert for international students at the Hermitage Theatre.
The devastating Christchurch earthquake of February, 2011, is something that will always be on Tasman’s mind: “There have been a lot of consequences for the family back in NZ and I know a lot of friends who have lost their houses, businesses and in some cases family members and friends. New Zealand is such a small place, I think everyone knew someone who passed away in the quake. My family considered leaving but they are stubborn and didn’t want to run away.”
Tasman and his family navigated their way across many borders before Tasman’s journey in dance began. Tasman is now living his dream, trying to make the most of his opportunities and planning to soak up all he possibly can during his time in St Petersburg. When asked about his goals for the future Tasman says: “As they have always been and that is to be at the highest standard I can.”
– MARGARE T MERCER