Editor’s Overview
This month’s issue of dancetrain explores what it truly means to prepare dancers and performers for long term artistic lives, not simply careers built on technique alone, but pathways grounded in adaptability, resilience, creativity and community.
Across Australia and internationally, we are seeing a significant shift in the way performing arts education is being approached. Institutions are increasingly recognising that today’s performers must move fluidly between disciplines, think critically, care for their physical wellbeing and develop strong artistic identity alongside technical skill. This issue reflects that evolution.
From the remarkable new facilities at WAAPA to the century long legacy of The McDonald College, from the industry focused training of ED5International to the nurturing educational environment of Australian Performing Arts Grammar School, this edition examines how schools and training organisations are shaping the next generation of performers across dance, acting and music.
We also hear from artists navigating international careers with honesty and generosity. Nicole Savage offers rare insight into the discipline and professionalism required at Moulin Rouge Paris, while Rebecca Bassett-Graham reflects on building a contemporary dance career through curiosity, persistence and continual reinvention.
Importantly, this issue also prioritises dancer wellbeing. Our health features explore hypermobility, recovery, injury prevention and sustainable training practices, reminding us that longevity in dance relies not only on talent, but on education, support and understanding the body.
And finally, Viktoria Rosek’s beautiful reflection on adult ballet reminds us that dance is not something we simply outgrow. It evolves with us, deepening through experience, connection and joy.
As always, this issue celebrates not only achievement, but the people, communities and philosophies quietly shaping the future of the performing arts.
Danielle Brown
Editor, dancetrain
Audition Tips
Nicole Savage, Moulin Rouge Paris
With auditions fast approaching for Moulin Rouge Paris, Australian Maîtresse de Ballet Nicole Savage shares insight into the demanding world of Moulin Rouge Paris, reflecting on the qualities required to succeed within one of the world’s most iconic performance companies. From artistry and musicality to stamina, professionalism and performance presence, Savage offers invaluable advice for dancers preparing for international careers.
Dance Ed.
This edition’s Dance Education section highlights schools and colleges supporting pathways across dance, acting and music. The guide explores how creative students can pursue performing arts training alongside strong academic study within supportive educational environments.
With the opening of its extraordinary new building in 2026, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts enters a significant new era. This feature explores WAAPA’s integrated approach to training across dance, acting, music and musical theatre, while students reflect on the transition into elite tertiary study and the growing strength of Australian based professional pathways.
Following the journey of Giselle Mammone from Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School into WAAPA’s Diploma of Classical Ballet, this feature explores the increasingly seamless pathway between elite secondary and tertiary performing arts training in Australia.
Celebrating one hundred years since Ann McDonald first opened her Sydney dance school, this feature traces the remarkable history of The McDonald College and the women whose vision transformed it into one of Australia’s leading performing arts institutions.
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School continues to redefine creative education through an environment where academic learning and performing arts training exist side by side. Students and staff reflect on the value of smaller class sizes, artistic freedom and nurturing individuality within education.
Studio Feature
For more than twenty years, ED5International has built a reputation for producing versatile triple threat performers ready for the realities of the commercial and musical theatre industries. This feature explores the structure, intensity and professionalism behind its nationally recognised full time training program.
Special Guest Artists
Now performing with Company Wayne McGregor while also working as Rehearsal Assistant, New Zealand born artist Rebecca Bassett-Graham reflects on curiosity, resilience and sustaining a contemporary dance career across international stages.
At just eighteen years old, Cinta Hamilton is already building an impressive professional profile across commercial dance, media and live performance. This feature explores the training, versatility and mindset shaping her growing career.
From Melbourne studios to international productions, choreographer and performer Lisa Antoinette Herbert reflects on creativity, collaboration and building opportunities for dancers through projects including The Dance Abysss and PORTAL.
Competition Feature
Adelaide Cecchetti Medal Awards
Grace, musicality and tradition were celebrated at the Adelaide Cecchetti Medal Awards, where young dancers across Junior, Bronze, Silver and Gold levels demonstrated the continuing strength of the Cecchetti method in South Australia.
Health Feature
Understanding Hypermobility in Dancers
Physiotherapist Deborah Wright explores the realities of hypermobility in dance, explaining the difference between flexibility and connective tissue related hypermobility, while offering insight into strength, stability and injury prevention for growing dancers.
What I Wish I Knew as a Dancer
Dance physiotherapist Anastasia Sotnikova reflects on the lessons many dancers learn too late, including the importance of recovery, sustainable technique, early injury management and understanding the nervous system’s role in performance.
What’s in a Foot?
Physiotherapist Rhea Torres explores the importance of intrinsic foot muscles in dance training, highlighting how foot strength, arch control and stability influence technique, balance and injury prevention.
Competition Warm Up and Recovery Strategies
Physiotherapist Susie Bond examines the impact of fatigue in competition settings and shares practical strategies for warm up, recovery and load management to help dancers perform safely and sustainably.
Adult Dance Feature
What Does the Future Hold for Me in Adult Ballet?
Viktoria Rosek reflects on ageing within adult ballet, encouraging dancers to adapt rather than withdraw from training. Through thoughtful insight, she explores continuity, artistry, community and the lifelong joy of movement.
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