Dance around the world with Madeleine Eastoe

AUSTRALIAN ballerina Madeleine Eastoe enjoys the tripping around the globe that her career has allowed her, writes Chanel Parratt

UNDERSTANDING: Ballerina Madeleine Eastoe likes to do her research before leaping into th

AUSTRALIAN Ballet principal dancer Madeleine Eastoe started dancing when she was six. She became the principal artist at the Australian Ballet in 2006 and since then has spent time touring Australia and the world, performing classic ballets such as The Nutcracker, Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet.

Eastoe says dancing Odette on the opening night of Swan Lake in London was a career highlight but seeing French ballet dancer Sylvie Guillem guest perform Manon with the Australian Ballet this year was one of the most inspiring performances she’s seen.

Favourite place to travel in Australia?

ME: Rottnest Island, Western Australia. It brings back so many wonderful childhood holiday memories.

Overseas?

ME: That is a tough one but I’d have to say the village of Assos on the Greek Island of Cephalonia. It was simple, blissful and relaxing.

Where was your last holiday?

ME: Christmas break at Point Lonsdale, Bellarine Peninsula. We hired a beach house for two weeks and had a complete relax. Walks, beach visits, fish and chips, playgrounds for our daughter Ella, crosswords, watching cricket, frisbee on the sand – it was awesome.

What’s a typical day on the road like for a ballerina?

ME: Breakfast to start, then I’ll cycle to the rehearsal studio or theatre.

I’ll warm up sometimes with Pilates followed by class then rehearsals until 3pm.

After lunch I cycle home, rest then return to the theatre for makeup and a warm up and then of course the performance.

Afterwards, I will ice my legs for recovery, shower, cycle home, dinner then veg out in front of TV before bed.

The Point in Point Lonsdale

Sounds like you need another holiday, what’s on your wish list?

ME: Switzerland, Croatia, Prague, Greek Islands, Portugal and Venice.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten travelling?

ME: Chocolate macaroons in Lyon.

Favourite piece of architecture you’ve seen on your travels?

ME: The combination of the view of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge while walking to work on tour in New South Wales.

Do you collect souvenirs to remember your experiences?

ME: Yes I usually try to find a vintage dress shop wherever I am travelling.

During my last trip to New York I found a stunning bright blue silk dress.

Best place you’ve ever stayed?

ME: Tim and I stayed in an apartment in Les Halles, Paris for two weeks on our honeymoon.

We instantly felt like we were part of the community buying baguettes in the morning, enjoying gallery visits and hot chocolates in the afternoon and tracking down yummy restaurants in the evening.

What has travel taught you?

ME: Research the destination. I get so much more out of a place if I have a basic understanding of where I’m going and resist the temptation to overpack (laughs). Most places sell what you need.

The Australian Ballet performs Manon and Cinderella in 2014. See www.australianballet.com.au

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