Finalists announced for ballet competition

Six aspiring young dancers have been announced as finalists today in the Suncorp Dream Big Challenge to win a walk on role in Queensland Ballet’s festive production of The Nutcracker at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in December.

It’s a dream come true for the dancers, who will receive flights and accommodation*; participation in the magical money-can’t-buy experience to visit the home of Queensland Ballet and experience a day in the life of a Queensland Ballet dancer, as well as a Nutcracker Prize Pack**.

On top of this one lucky winner will also secure the major prize of a walk-on role in The Nutcracker performance in December; and four tickets to watch the performance at the Lyric Theatre at QPAC**. As part of the experience they’ll participate in an official dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker, enjoy a meet and greet with Queensland Ballet dancers and Artistic Director Li Cunxin***.

Now in its sixth year, the much-loved annual ballet competition, supported by Queensland Ballet’s Principal Partner Suncorp, saw applicants aged five to 13 years from across regional and metropolitan Queensland perform an arabesque (ballet pose) in a scenic location that represented their town or district.

Suncorp Executive General Manager Brand and Marketing Mim Haysom said she was thrilled to partner with Queensland Ballet to deliver the Suncorp Dream Big Challenge and was impressed by the level of talent shown by the applicants.

“Every year we see an incredible amount of creativity and passion for ballet in these entries. The program is a great way to make the arts more accessible to children and their families throughout Queensland, regardless of where they live”…

To enter the competition, budding dancers, with the help of a parent or guardian, had to upload the photo of their ballet pose to the campaign website and write 50 words on what makes their location special to them. QB Artistic Director Li Cunxin judged the technical proficiency of the pose.

“This initiative is such a great opportunity for Queensland Ballet and Suncorp to inspire together the next generation of young dancers, and the response this year was fantastic, as it is every year,” Mr Li said.

“It’s a rare chance for the dancers to go behind the scenes and experience the life of a professional ballet dancer, which we know will be a magical experience for them.

“And we love seeing Queenslanders rise to the challenge, not just in our cities, but in rural and regional areas. It’s wonderful to be able to collaborate with Suncorp to gift them this incredible opportunity.”

The major prize winner will be announced on November 29 and will perform with the Company on December 15.

Queensland Ballet would be delighted to facilitate media interviews with any of the six finalists listed below.

Finalists

·     Amelia O’Sullivan (5) Gympie

·     Elin Burgess (9) Brisbane

·     Kayla Milligan (7) Redland

·     Madeline Murphy (9) Julia Creek

·     Mekonnen Knife (13) Gold Coast

·     Penny Fing (9) Toowomba

_{*For up to two people, should the winner live 300km outside of Brisbane.}

_{** Terms and conditions apply.}

_{*** Pronounced Lee Schwin Sing}