Melbourne’s ‘underdog’ dancer vies for top ballet prize

She comes from a high-profile golfing family, and describes herself as an “underdog” in the ballet world. Now, Melbourne dancer Corey Herbert is vying for a prestigious prize.

Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards Nominee Corey Herbert. Picture: David Caird

A Melbourne dancer who describes herself as an underdog with unconventional moves has been nominated for a prestigious ballet award.

“I’ve never danced for anybody else, I’ve always danced for myself,” Corey Herbert, a lead dancer of the Australian Ballet, said.

“I wasn’t always the favourite, but I think it’s about dancing for yourself and enjoying what you do, because let’s be honest, life’s too short to not enjoy what you do.”

Herbert, and five other dancers, have been nominated for the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards, which includes rising star and people’s choice categories.

Cameron Holmes, Corey Herbert, Imogen Chapman, Nathan Brook, Serena Graham and Jasmin Durham at the Regent Theatre. Picture: David Caird

“I’ve always found myself to be a bit an underdog, not quite the conventional ballerina while going through my training in school,” she said.

“I never felt I fit the box of the perfect ballerina. I move quite freely. I also have quite a big personality, so it was about finding a way to be true to my personality, and my bold movements, and still see myself as a ballerina.

“I feel I’ve come full circle. Now, I do both; I can be the ballerina, and be the contemporary dancer that moves and expresses myself,” Herbert said.

“Dancing is really finding a way to express who you are, who you want to be, and putting that out on stage, and merging that with the character you’re playing that night, whether it’s a fairy, or a peasant in the village.”

Herbert embraced new challenges during COVID-19 lockdown last year, including teaching dance classes online and starting her own YouTube channel.

She also had to keep fit by dancing on concrete and laminated floors at home. Herbert also did yoga training for physical and mental strength.

“It was a trying time because we’re so used to structure as dancers,” she said. “We’ve always had routine and structure in our daily lives.”

Herbert said she was honoured by the Telstra Ballet Award nomination.

“To have people support the way I’m dancing, and the way I’ve chosen to express myself, is a cool thing,” she said.

Herbert comes from a strong golfing family; her dad Ross Herbert was the head golf coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, her stepfather Mike Harwood is a golf pro, and mum, Donna, is his caddie.

“I’d like to think I have a natural swing, but I don’t play golf,” Corey Herbert said, laughing. “The one time I tried it was during a Swan Lake season and I nearly put my back out.”

[e-mail]