St John’s students learnt the art of dance through workshops provided by Queensland Ballet

St John’s students were given the opportunity to explore the art of ballet through the Queensland Ballet’s regional tour.

Queensland Ballet school workshop at St John's Roma.

To path the way for regional and remote students interested in learning the art of dance, Queensland Ballet embarked on its regional tour throughout southwest Queensland.

For 60 years, the state’s ballet company has had a vested interest in coming out to the regions, and this week students at St John’s School, Roma had the opportunity to learn the choreography inspired by the Queensland Ballet’s 2016 production Lest We Forget.

Queensland Ballet school workshop at St John's Roma.

About 50 students from Years 3-6 participated in the program, with some having prior dance experience and others never dancing before.

Queensland Ballet education manager Martha Godber said the workshops provided opportunities to students who have never had the chance to attend a local dance class.

“It gives them their first taste of ballet and they’re able to share the magic of dance and express stories through movement,” Ms Godber said.

She said the Lest We Forget production resonated with all schools as they learn about the importance of Anzac Day.

“We want to give students the same taste as what they would experience in the industry,” Ms Godber said.

“And it’s important to express the Anzac story through body movements and facial expressions.”

Chelsea Clark from Queensland Ballet reiterated that it was always great travelling to regional towns and seeing the kids giving ballet a crack.

“All the kids really benefited from the workshop and fully participated, which was great to see,” she said.

“Some were interested in finding out more about how they could get involved with Queensland Ballet.”

Ms Godber said a number of students involved in Queensland Ballet had come from regional towns and it was important for them to understand there’s a pathway there if they want to take up the opportunity.

More information about their south, east and west Queensland regional workshops tour can be found HERE.

Originally published as St John’s students learnt the art of dance through workshops provided by Queensland Ballet