Alumni success story: Samantha Grammer
Written by Cassandra Houghton
Images by David Kelly
In 2023, Samantha Grammer graduated from Queensland Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Program with two contract offers: one from Queensland Ballet, the other from Aalto Ballett Essen in Germany.
The idea of a career in Europe had always seemed unattainable to the young dancer from Blenheim, New Zealand, who had moved to Australia in 2019 to join Queensland Ballet Academy. So, she chose to follow her dreams to Germany – enjoying it so much that she has accepted another contract for the 2024/2025 season. Sam credits Queensland Ballet Academy for her career success.
What does a typical day at Aalto Ballett Essen look like for you?
A working day usually goes from 10am until 5pm. There is always ballet class in the morning, and we have members of staff who interchangeably teach. Then we rehearse! Sometimes we will rehearse multiple different ballets in one day. When I’m not required in rehearsal, I go to the gym or spend time working quietly on my own thing (choreography, technique, etc). Or I just rest.
We have performance days most weeks. These days, we have class in the morning and maybe a small rehearsal. We are free for the rest of the day until the performance that night.
What is the culture and lifestyle like?
I am living in a studio apartment that is about a ten-minute walk from the theatre. Life here is very different from life in Brisbane, which is part of why I moved; it has broadened my understanding of the various ways in which people approach life.
The culture of the Company itself is a warm, familial environment. I believe there are only two Germans in the company, so the theatre is full of diverse personalities. We are all very individual, resulting in distinct and vibrant stories onstage. German culture, as a whole, will take time for me to fully understand. I barely speak the language. My current analysis is that they are very polite and genuinely kind people.
My lifestyle has many similarities in the sense that I am still in the same profession. I try to eat, sleep, and move similarly. I would say I’m now paying extra attention to my mental health as I’ve undergone a big life change.
Any challenges you weren’t expecting?
This was my first ever job in a ballet company, so the hurdles are certainly present. As is life! The main thing, dance-wise, would be navigating the pressure of performing almost every single week. And often performing something completely different to the week prior.
Aside from this, an unexpected challenge was becoming very sick. I caught shingles in February, and it took me out for about two months. I experienced mild chronic fatigue as a result of this. I owe the relief I felt during that time to the support system I had around me – friends, loved ones, family. These people are everything, even if (especially if) you aren’t the brightest version of yourself.
Highlights of your experience so far?
Career-wise - exploring the various ways of moving that my body is capable of - the new pathways, dynamics, style, levels of exertion. I’ve also had a few soloist opportunities at Aalto. A particular highlight was being cast as Manuela in Johan Inger’s Carmen for the 24/25 season. That was surreal. I have so much still to learn and still feel like such an amateur, so I’m amazed that I get to use these opportunities to progress this craft.
On a personal level - I’ve loved the travel. Seeing new places and meeting new people. I realise how privileged I am to be able to do this, so I have eyes and ears wide open.
Overall, the immense growth that I'm feeling. Not only in my job, but as a person, a friend, an artist. I’m learning something about myself and the world every day.
How did Queensland Ballet Academy prepare you for a professional career?
A simple way to put this is that I wouldn’t have a professional career if it weren’t for Queensland Ballet Academy. My time there transformed my understanding of dance, especially technically. The program provided me with a strong balletic base that continues to assist me every day. They also gave me the space to be me, to develop my individual expression and artistic imprint.
Reflecting on your time at the Academy, what do you think were the most important things you learned?
The most important thing I learned was perseverance. Pursuing a difficult thing is often accompanied with discomfort. My experience is that if the passion is real, it will be worth it. Persevering with this art form has produced feelings of elation and progression I could never have anticipated.
Any favourite moments?
Naturally, performing was always very special! In my last year in the Pre-Professional Program, I performed a pas de deux with one of my best friends, Jack Jones (now a Jette Parker Young Artist at Queensland Ballet). We choreographed it together and it was the last thing I performed in the Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Jack and I have been friends since Level 3 at Queenland Ballet Academy. The full-circle nature of that brought about a beautiful sense of closure regarding my time there.
