Three of our Level 8 students, Estelle Crompton-Lamb, Stephanie McQuire and Lucelle Davis experienced the opportunity of a lifetime: performing with The Australian Ballet in mainstage productions. While all Level 8 students have the fantastic opportunity to join the company's National Tour, being selected for additional performances is a truly special honour.
Essie and Steph were invited to perform in Don Quixote, during the company's exciting Japan Tour. Both dancers were invited to continue performing with The Australian Ballet, for the remainder of the season - Essie in Manon and Steph in The Sleeping Beauty.
Essie speaks of how mesmerising her performance experience has been so far.
“Being surrounded by professionals that I have looked up to, has been so amazing and inspiring. It only hit me I was a part of it all when I was on stage with these incredible dancers!”
Steph feels the same way, highlighting the importance of The Australian Ballet School in preparing her for this experience.
“Performing is amazing, but the days are long and hard. The School not only taught me how to be a great ballet dancer, but how to take care of my body and recover. This really helped me transition into a professional dancer.”
2025 Level 8 student Stephanie McQuire
Essie agrees and adds that it was her academic classes at the School, also helped her.
“Being able to calm myself down before performances is important. The teachers taught me how to ground myself, take breaths and manage my nerves through performance psychology classes. Ballet is not just about dancing – there is so much behind it!”
2025 Level 8 student Essie Crompton-Lamb
Lucelle remembers feeling shocked, but so excited to perform in Nijinsky.
“Being on stage with the company has been amazing and inspiring! I found it so hard to not watch the professionals (between acts) – it felt unreal that I was there too!”
2025 Level 8 student Lucelle Davis
After performing in Nijinsky, Lucelle was unexpectedly invited to stay on for Manon, with less than a week to prepare. She rose to the challenge, crediting her adaptability to her years of training.
“Things can change unexpectedly in ballet (performing). My training at the school reminded me I have been doing this for years and I can rely on my foundations – I can trust my capability.”
“The support (through this experience) has been great – knowing there are people rooting for you is amazing - the connection between the school and company is strong.”
These extraordinary opportunities help prepare our dancers for the professional world, made possible through our partnership with The Australian Ballet. This valued relationship provides access to experiences that no other vocational provider can offer, giving our dancers a rare and valuable advantage.
We are deeply thankful to The Australian Ballet for their continued support and belief in our students. These opportunities not only provide work experience but also nurture their development as artists, bringing them closer to becoming true professionals and achieving their dreams.
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