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Successfully auditioning out of hundreds of ballet students from across Queensland, Eve said it was her dance teachers, Kimberley Woodger and Katya Bennett-Woodger of Kimberley Woodger Dance Academy at Morningside that encouraged her to apply.
“My dance teachers sent an email letting us know about the upcoming Nutcracker audition - it was on a weekend at the Queensland Ballet at West End,” Eve said.
“There were a lot of girls and boys trying out, and I found out straight away I’d made it through the first round. Afterwards, my mum received an email saying I had been successful in getting a role in the production,” she said.
Playing the role of a little girl in a family during a Christmas party, as well as a ‘ginger nut’, Eve said she couldn’t contain her excitement when she found out she had been cast.
“I was so excited when I found out - I’ve always wanted to be part of a big production like the Nutcracker,” Eve said.
“It will be such a great experience to be amongst all the very talented dancers, and I will learn so much,” she said.
With a passion for ballet since the age of three, Eve said it was her sister and current Year 6 student, Zoe who inspired her to take up the sport.
“My big sister Zoe started ballet, and it looked so much fun, so I wanted to try it too,” Eve said.
“[Along with ballet] I also do jazz and contemporary dance,” she said.
Although the Nutcracker is the most significant role in a production she has won to date, this is not the first audition where Eve’s talent has been noticed. Accepted into the Australian Ballet Interstate Training Program, a part of the Australian Ballet School, in both 2018 and 2019, Eve said the program has given her invaluable training opportunities.
“Being a part of the Interstate Training Program gives me access to intensive training sessions, specialised coaching classes and personal visit opportunities throughout the year,” Eve said.
“This year I went down to Melbourne in the July holidays and did a week of classes at the Australian Ballet School in Southbank. I also did a masterclass in Brisbane when they went on tour,” she said.
“As long as I do at least one class a year, I can be considered for the following year, and once I reach a certain age, I may even be invited to audition to become a full-time student.”
When asked if she saw a career for herself in ballet upon graduating school, Eve said she was undecided on her future aspirations.
“I really love ballet but I also really want to be a vet when I finish school,” Eve said.
“I have plenty of time to decide, so we’ll see what happens,” she said.