Victoria (Foundation Program student) stars in The Nutcracker

One of the most exciting opportunities for young dancers at Queensland Ballet Academy is the chance to perform in Queensland Ballet’s annual season of The Nutcracker. We spoke with 11-year-old Victoria about how it feels to be a part of this magical production for her second year in a row!

Hi Victoria, how long have you been dancing for, and what level are you in at Queensland Ballet Academy?

I have been dancing since I was 3-years-old, and I am in Level 8 [Foundation Program] at Queensland Ballet Academy. I have been with them for two years now.

What role are you playing this year in The Nutcracker, and what is your costume like?

I’m playing one of the children at the Christmas party with my family. I’m the first girl onstage, which is really exciting. I wear an old-fashioned dress with a bow in my hair.

This is your second year of performing in The Nutcracker with Queensland Ballet. What has this incredible experience been like?

I love being in a professional production, and seeing the audience in the theatre.

You were also cast in Queensland Ballet's official photo shoot for The Nutcracker’s 2022 season. How was that experience?

The photoshoot was lots of fun, exciting, and a little tiring! I loved it.

You will be performing alongside many Company dancers. Who are you most excited to share the stage with?

I think they are all great, but I have met Mia [Heathcote] in person and she is really beautiful and talented.

How much practice have you been doing to prepare?

We practice three times a week right now, and there will be more training sessions until it starts in December. Then there are lots of shows up until Christmas.

As one of Queensland Ballet Academy’s youngest dancers, what do these opportunities mean to you?

I have loved being a part of The Nutcracker, and I really love dancing with Queensland Ballet. I hope I can be part of other things with them in the future too.

Victoria is a student of the Academy’s Foundation Program and auditions for 2023 will be held on Monday 21 November 2022. Register your child now, and perhaps they will dance on stage in a Queensland Ballet production in the future too.