A Year Inside The Australian Ballet | CULTURE

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Bree Moore

Focusing on Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominees Amy Harris and Jake Mangakahia, this series shows the hard work, performance highs, friendships, laughs and challenges that come with life in The Australian Ballet.

In episode #1 from January 2012, the dancers return from their break to gear up for the 50th anniversary season.

Episode #2 shows a major break for Corps de Ballet member Jake Mangakahia: working with Stephen Page on his new ballet for the Infinity program. See through his eyes as the work goes from studio to stage…

Episode #3 has the dancers arriving in Brisbane to perform Romeo & Juliet, and Senior Artist Amy Harris showing us how she makes her dressing room into a home away from home.

In episode #4, dancer Jake Mangakahia takes a class of aspiring Baryshnikovs as part of Boys’ Day, reflecting on his own dance journey and the importance of inspiring the next generation.

Episode #5 has Senior Artist Amy Harris and Corps de Ballet member Jake Mangakahia talking about a dancer’s connection to music and the excitement of performing with a live orchestra.

Episode #6 takes you inside the wardrobe department, giving a close-up look at the loving construction of Swan Lake costumes. Senior Artist Amy Harris chats to designer Hugh Colman, gets a fitting and tries out her new tutu in the studio, while painstaking costumiers fashion sequins, pearls, brocade, and tulle into stunning creations.

In episode #7, Senior Artist Amy Harris and Corps de Ballet member Jake Mangakahia talk through their mid-year review with the artistic director, and recap their year in the studio and on stage.