How Queensland Ballet Senior Soloist Mia Heathcote is spending her time in isolation

A dancer’s life is immersed in movement, but in this strange new world we enter what does this period of isolation mean for our elite artists? 

Queensland Ballet Senior Soloist Mia Heathcote recalls the lifestyle she led one month ago, before many businesses and arts organisations were told to close their doors. Days were spent moving, twirling, jumping and stretching inside Queensland Ballet’ studios. Like most company dancers, Mia began her days early at the studios well before rehearsals started. Before class, she meditated, warmed-up in the gym, stretched and then joined company class at 10am. This was followed by a day of rehearsals, physio or Pilates, concluding her time in and out of the studios at 6pm. After icing her feet, stretching and a weekly massage, she would head home and rest for another busy day preparing for the QB20 season. 

Today, the studios are empty and theatre stages are quiet. The 60 Company Artists now rehearse alone in their living rooms, tuning into virtual classes led by Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO and Queensland Ballet’s Artistic staff as they broadcast from their individual homes. It has been a learning curve for everyone involved as they shift to a new virtual reality. 

Mia described the collective feeling amongst the dancers as “crushing” when they heard the news Queensland Ballet was temporarily shutting its doors. 

“Watching how COVID-19 was rapidly becoming more serious in Australia, I saw the closure of Queensland Ballet coming and I knew this would have to become our new reality in order to do our part to keep everyone as safe as possible,” Mia says. 

“It was heartbreaking to hear the news that we would no longer be able to do what we love; to perform and express ourselves onstage, but then to not be allowed to come into work at all was devastating. 

“I think the collective feeling amongst us all is of unease, given the uncertainty of this situation.” 

The senior leadership team at Queensland Ballet quickly realised something needed to be done to keep morale up amongst the dancers and staff. They formulated a new campaign called Keep the Magic Alive, designed to surprise not only the Company dancers but also the general public. 

Kicking off the campaign was a special delivery of handmade barres and cut squares of Tarkett flooring delivered to each dancer. And it worked, spirits have been lifted and inspiration has been ignited once again. 

“It definitely isn’t the same as dancing in the studio, having the live piano music and the energy from your colleagues, but it is the best we can do, and there is so much to be grateful for,” Mia says. 

“We are lucky that Queensland Ballet staff put together some pre-recorded classes, fitness ideas and creative challenges for us to do at home to keep us physically and mentally active.” 

Mia spends her time at home focusing on the little things that bring her joy. She joins her mother for an online yoga class in the morning, connects via her laptop for daily class with the company, Pilates, stretching and maintaining peak fitness with running or skipping. In her down time, she finds other ways to be creative; reading, cooking and staying virtually connected to her loved ones. 

“Not being as active has had its challenges but also has it benefits. I feel like I have hardly stopped for a minute in my life up until now. It is strange when you take all these elements away, but I think I have realised more and more how important it is to stay present, let go of control and to just be. 

“My mum always told me that you cannot change what is, and that to surrender is to let go of control and trust that everything is happening how it is meant to. 

“All we can do is be kind to one another and do our part to keep each other safe and ride the wave,” Mia says. 

As we spend our days finding ways to be creative, it becomes clear how big of an impact the arts have on our lives, and the joy, peace and sense of purpose it delivers. 

“The arts give people solace. It makes us feel deeply, it connects us in a universal language and gives us freedom and limitless self-expression. Now more than ever, it allows us to escape. 

“Many people around the world are confined to their homes, but the one thing they can never take away is how we can still be immersed in art and its beauty,” Mia added. 

“Dancing is seeing music, and as long as we have a beat to follow and passion in our hearts, we shall dance.” 

Queensland Ballet has chosen to keep its 60 Company Dancers on full pay for as long as it can afford to. Anyone wishing to donate to support the cause or adopt a dancer can go to www.keepthemagicalive.com 

As part of the Keep the Magic Alive campaign Queensland Ballet has also launched free online dance classes with support from its Principal Partner Suncorp, aiming to keep communities moving and spread joy through the simple act of dancing. 

To see how Queensland Ballet is keeping the magic alive during this time, or to leave a message of support for the Company, head to Keepthemagicalive.com.au 

Photographer: David Kelly