WA Ballet on point with kids in Karratha

Kids in Karratha spent last week doing pirouettes and plies when the West Australian Ballet came to town. WA Ballet is set to bring its professional company to the Pilbara later this month for a big performance and, in anticipation of the event, wanted to touch base with the community.

Three representatives spent the week running workshops in primary schools, working with high school students, holding masterclasses and speaking at public libraries.

WA Ballet professional teaching artist Nicole Ward said in the primary schools they ran fun, engaging and physical workshops that were also informative.

“It might be the first time they’ve ever done ballet and it could very well be the last,” she said.

“We talk briefly about the history of dance and why people do it, touch on indigenous dance, which is one of the oldest styles of dance in the world, and then teach them all the foundational steps of ballet and put them together in a fun sequence.”

The teaching artists also held masterclasses with Terre Rouge Ballet and Charlesworth Ballet School for students who had done ballet before and were starting to refine their techniques.

“The more experienced students need more specialised corrections,” Ms Ward said. “They’re wanting to hone their craft and artistry ... so we can give them tips and tricks to make their dancing better.”

Karratha was particularly blessed in this visit as two of the three teaching artists are current professional dancers with WA Ballet.