Steph's Ballet Journey
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On 21 August 2017, I will be heading off to Europe to commence training with The Dutch National Ballet Academy, Amsterdam. My journey thus far been exciting and I am so grateful for all the support I have received along the way. The next chapter is really the beginning of my career. Below we have documented my story. Enjoy.
Melbourne born Stephanie Grobbelaar is 16 years of age. Stephanie began ( RAD) ballet at the age of 3 at the West Pointe Ballet Academy in Williamstown. She continued dancing under the guidance of Ms. Christine Bowman at the West Pointe Ballet Academy until Ms Bowman’s retirement in 2012. At this stage Stephanie had reached Grade 4 with Honours in RAD.
In 2013 Stephanie joined Ballet Theatre Australia under Artistic Director Leeanne Rutherford. At the end of 2013 Stephanie was offered a place at the Australian Ballet School but chose to join Artistic Director Ms Christine Walsh at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB). In 2014, Stephanie commenced with the full-time ballet program at ACB while continuing with her academic schooling through Distance Education Victoria.
During 2016 , Stephanie embarked on a European tour which involved auditions at major European and UK ballet schools. Her achievements included:
2016 – offered place in full time program at Tanz Akademie Zürich, Switzerland;
2016 – offered a place in the three-year Classical Ballet Program and related dance styles at Elmhurst Ballet School, UK;
2016 – Invited to Academie de Danse Princesse Grace, MONTE CARLO Summer School;
Completed (CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance- Elite Performance)
Certificate III in Dance
Auditions require substantial work, dedication and commitment. An average day commenced with Pilates followed by seven hours of intense dance, classical, contemporary and fitness. Weekly remedial massage and private lessons. Stephanie chose to remain in Australia for an additional year to gain further training.
Stephanie wrote the following on return for the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation.
The trip was a wonderful experience and it allowed me an opportunity to meet fellow dancers of similar age from around the globe and evaluate the level of standard. I have discovered that Europe and the UK ballet standard is of a very high quality.
I was lucky enough to spend three days at Princess Grace of Monaco Dance Akademie Boarding School and experience firsthand the daily life of the school. Even more exciting was that I was given a private lesson with The Director Luca Masala, who subsequently invited me to their Summer School later this year.
On 25 January 2017, Stephanie aged sixteen returned to Europe for a second round of ballet auditions. This was a highly successful trip and the outcome was two offers at:
Royal Antwerp Ballet School
The Dutch National Ballet Academy offered a place in the Pre-Professional Program with a Bachelor of the Preforming Arts
After much consideration and discussion Stephanie has accepted the Dutch National Ballet Academy Pre Professional program offer which commences in August 2017.
Over the next few months Stephanie will commence with fundraising and applying for grants to assist with the costs incurred for the next chapter of her dream.
Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in anticipation.
Steph x
Melbourne born Stephanie Grobbelaar is 16 years of age. Stephanie began ( RAD) ballet at the age of 3 at the West Pointe Ballet Academy in Williamstown. She continued dancing under the guidance of Ms. Christine Bowman at the West Pointe Ballet Academy until Ms Bowman’s retirement in 2012. At this stage Stephanie had reached Grade 4 with Honours in RAD.
In 2013 Stephanie joined Ballet Theatre Australia under Artistic Director Leeanne Rutherford. At the end of 2013 Stephanie was offered a place at the Australian Ballet School but chose to join Artistic Director Ms Christine Walsh at the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB). In 2014, Stephanie commenced with the full-time ballet program at ACB while continuing with her academic schooling through Distance Education Victoria.
During 2016 , Stephanie embarked on a European tour which involved auditions at major European and UK ballet schools. Her achievements included:
2016 – offered place in full time program at Tanz Akademie Zürich, Switzerland;
2016 – offered a place in the three-year Classical Ballet Program and related dance styles at Elmhurst Ballet School, UK;
2016 – Invited to Academie de Danse Princesse Grace, MONTE CARLO Summer School;
Completed (CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance- Elite Performance)
Certificate III in Dance
Auditions require substantial work, dedication and commitment. An average day commenced with Pilates followed by seven hours of intense dance, classical, contemporary and fitness. Weekly remedial massage and private lessons. Stephanie chose to remain in Australia for an additional year to gain further training.
Stephanie wrote the following on return for the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation.
The trip was a wonderful experience and it allowed me an opportunity to meet fellow dancers of similar age from around the globe and evaluate the level of standard. I have discovered that Europe and the UK ballet standard is of a very high quality.
I was lucky enough to spend three days at Princess Grace of Monaco Dance Akademie Boarding School and experience firsthand the daily life of the school. Even more exciting was that I was given a private lesson with The Director Luca Masala, who subsequently invited me to their Summer School later this year.
On 25 January 2017, Stephanie aged sixteen returned to Europe for a second round of ballet auditions. This was a highly successful trip and the outcome was two offers at:
Royal Antwerp Ballet School
The Dutch National Ballet Academy offered a place in the Pre-Professional Program with a Bachelor of the Preforming Arts
After much consideration and discussion Stephanie has accepted the Dutch National Ballet Academy Pre Professional program offer which commences in August 2017.
Over the next few months Stephanie will commence with fundraising and applying for grants to assist with the costs incurred for the next chapter of her dream.
Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in anticipation.
Steph x
Organizer
Stephanie Grobbelaar
Organizer
Cocoroc, VIC