Page 25 - DANCE 2020 Full Time Studies Guide

Full-Time STudieS Guide 2020
Emma Antrobus
Iis about to start with Ballet Zurich. BEGAN dancing at the age of three
and I always knew that I wanted to dance professionally. I began my full time training at The Conlan College
in Sydney at the age of 13, where I trained for three years. They then helped me to find my next home at the Hochschule fur Musik and Theatre in Munich in Germany. I trained in their Bachelor Program full time for two years on full scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2017.
Tell us a little about your present job.
I am currently in my second year in the Junior Ballet Company in Zurich and have been offered a contract with the main company where I will continue next season. I work five and a half days a week training, rehearsing several ballets at a time and performing on stage with amazing dancers beside me. It can be a tough and demanding job but every day
I am so grateful to be doing what I love and what I’ve always had my heart set on.
How did you find the transition from full-time studies to the profession?
I feel everything changed for me when I moved from the ballet school to the company as I was quite anxious and nervous about this transition.
For the first time, someone was paying me
to dance for them, instead of the other way around. I learned that the skills I developed whilst at The Conlan College of being humble, dedicated, easy to work with, quick to pick up choreography and flexible in my attitude meant so much in the profession. It was those life lessons that became so important and that have helped me so much. Most dancers can learn the technique but the ones who are successful are the ones who are understand that their job is to support their choreographers and artistic directors in showcasing their vision.
What were the most important
benefits of your studies?
During my time at The Conlan College I was shaped into the dancer I am today. I learnt so much about how my body works and the right classical ballet technique, along with how to keep myself disciplined in a professional setting. I also gained invaluable stage experience, working as a team and in my solos. Understanding the importance of teamwork was a key lesson, as everyone starts out their profession in the corps de ballet and working together in a corps can make or break a performance. When I moved to Munich I then had the opportunity to work with many amazing choreographers who broadened
my movement vocabulary immensely and further prepared me for professional life.
How quickly did you gain
employment upon graduation?
Ballet Zurich was my first and only audition during my graduate year from Munich. I had my heart set on it and as soon as I was offered a contract I had no hesitation to accept. I knew it was the place for me and I feel so privileged to be where I am.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were a student?
I found myself under a lot of pressure and was extremely hard on myself. I wish I’d trusted my teachers who told me that mistakes are only a pathway to success.
Futhermore . . .
To be a professional ballerina takes a lot of sacrifice. Moving at 16 and living on the other side of the world away from your family, home and familiar environment is really hard. I’ve learnt so much living overseas and met so many amazing and different people who have opened my eyes and mind into what is out there and how such an industry can make me so happy.
ABOVE: Emma performing with Riccardo Mambelli in ‘Echo of Elements’, choreographed by Filipe Portugal.
LEFT: Performing ‘Submerge’, choreographed by Goyo Montero.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.DANCEAUSTRALIA.COM.AU | 25
COURTESY BALLET ZURICH/GREGORY BATARDON