Graduate students Madison and Evie, who have been performing on tour, recently sat down together to answer our questions.
Both are currently training at the Academy of Northern Ballet, where they are undertaking their pre-professional training. On this course, they continue to refine their technique and performance skills while gaining invaluable experience working alongside a professional ballet company.
What has it been like being part of Little Red Riding Hood while continuing your graduate training?
It has been inspiring and challenging in the best way. It’s a unique opportunity to be able get the best of both worlds. In the studio, continuing to refine technique, artistry and consistency, whilst on stage, applying those tools in a real-world setting, performing for live audiences, managing touring schedules and managing energy for each performance.
How do you balance rehearsals and performances with your daily training schedule?
It has definitely required organisation and responsibility. Daily class is like medicine. Making sure I keep my technique strong and body prepared allows me to feel free in the rehearsals as I know I can rely on my technique. Around that, making sure I know my choreography, prepare my pointe shoes and allow myself enough recovery time has been crucial. Touring with Northern Ballet has taught me valuable skills I can take with me going forward in my career.
What have you learned from working alongside company dancers in this production?
Working alongside the Company dancers has been one of the most valuable aspects of this experience. Watching how they approach class, rehearsals and performances has been very inspiring and has shown me what true professionalism looks like. I’ve learned that artistry goes beyond the steps. It’s about storytelling and commitment to the characters. Seeing how they embody their characters encouraged me to trust myself and take creative risks. Working alongside the dancers is such a pleasure, they are supportive, approachable and inspiring.
How does performing in a children’s ballet differ from other repertoire you’ve trained in?
Performing in a children’s ballet encourages you to be really expressive in your storytelling. There’s still a technical side, but there’s a lot of emphasis on characterisation and connecting with the audience especially when performing to a younger audience you want to portray a clear narrative and bring the story to life.
What has been your favourite moment in rehearsals or on stage so far?
One of my favourite moments has been seeing the audiences reaction during performances especially hearing children laugh at certain scenes. In rehearsals I’ve really enjoyed the creative process and watching everything come together and how everyone portrays their characters in different ways.
How has this experience helped prepare you for a professional career in ballet?
Touring while continuing my training has given me an insight into the pace and expectation of company life. This has helped me develop skills I will need in the future. Working alongside company members has shown me the level of professionalism required in and out of the studio.
What does a typical performance day look like for you?
A typical performance day usually starts with a class to warm up and prepare our bodies. After we usually have time on the stage to walk through, practice or space the show. Before the performance starts I like to go over key moments of my role, focus in on my character and check that all my props are set. Then it’s time to enjoy the performance.
What advice would you give to younger students who dream of performing with a company like Northern Ballet?
Stay curious and open to learning, and be invested in building strong foundations in your training as technique is important. Artistry and storytelling are what Northern Ballet dancers are known for; so using the music and pulling from real life experiences to add to embellish your dancing is crucial. Remembering your own goals and reminding yourself that you are on your own journey, and taking what you need as an individual from each class that you attend.
See Little Red Riding Hood on tour
Header photo from Little Red Riding Hood with dancers Stefano Varalta, Julie Nunès, Alessia Petrosino and Kaho Masumoto. Photo Emily Nuttall
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