New York ballet masters share insights

Rockingham dancers were star-struck last month when some of New York’s finest teachers gave a special 90-minute lesson as part of an international audition tour.

Beverley Margaret School of Dance students, aged nine to 17, were treated to a ballet workshop by the Joffrey Ballet School’s trainee program artistic director Era Jouravlev and master faculty Andrei Jouravlev.

Ms Jouravlev said they were excited to be invited and expected to see a number of the students in the Joffrey Ballet year-long trainee program.

“There is most definitely talent among her (BMSD co-owner Beverley Heckingbottom’s) students and it is clear she works very hard with (them),” she said.

“What we find most encouraging is that Beverley and her teachers are so dedicated to their students’ training — she invites guest dance teachers and takes her students on conference, workshop and performance outings.

“This sort of support from a dance school is so important to every student’s technique, training and future.”

The partnership between BMSD and JBS began two years ago when students from the Rockingham studio auditioned and gained full-time placings, which they have deferred for schooling.

Producer of international programs Catherine Peila said JBS was delighted to re-establish auditions in Australia and looked forward to working with BMSD in the future.

“Because of the enthusiasm from not only BMSD but other schools and universities, in the future we are looking into the logistics of offering week-long intensives in each major city,” she said.