Off-Prompt
The Stonnington School of Dance has undoubtedly been the largest contributing factor to lead me to believe that magic is in fact real.
For fifteen years (and counting), my identity has been shaped around a family of dancers who never fail to inspire me.
On the dusk of it's 21st Anniversary, I paid tribute to this remarkable School, it's leaders, and it's spirit.
2015 - End of Year Concert
Off-prompt is a rather strange place.
Graceful figures on stage flit in and out of my vision, restricted by heavy black curtains that drape from the high theatre ceilings.
Younger tiara-clad silhouettes stand in awe, gazing wide-eyed at the sight before them.
On pointe, an experienced ballerina extends her leg into arabesque, as the token ballerino guides her through intricate, delicate turns and lifts. Beside me, the two awestruck silhouettes mimic their fouettes, giggling at the movement's novelty as a rush of nerves, adrenaline and utter elation kicks in.
Here, off-prompt, we wait in hushed suspension.
Between dances we breathe deeply, the cacophonous applause from the audience fading to background noise.
The other side of the stage is louder, busier, filled with uttered communication between teachers, stage managers and crew.
But off-prompt, in our private, quiet limbo we wait, for a light, a curtain, a turn to take the stage and dance.