Behind the scenes of an Audition Day

A prestigious ballet academy with international acclaim, Queensland Ballet Academy’s annual auditions attract young dancers with big dreams from all over the world. As we embark on the 2023 auditions (held from June to September), we sat down with Academy Alumni and Jette Parker Young Artist, Alisa Pukkinen and Pre-Professional Program dancer Max Jones, who both successfully navigated the process - to find out what happens on the day, how they prepared for the moment that changed their lives, and some exclusive behindthe-scenes tips!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you found your way to Queensland Ballet Academy.

Alisa: I’m originally from Adelaide and had met Paul Boyd (Academy Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer) and a few dancers from the Company when they taught a masterclass in the city. remember feeling so comfortable, I decided getting into Queensland Ballet would be my goal. When the offer came, it was an instant yes!

Max: grew up in Coffs Harbour and moved to Newcastle when I was 15 to study dance full-time. At 16, auditioned for the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, Illinois, and was offered a full scholarship for two years in their conservatory program. When COVID hit, returned home and auditioned for Queensland Ballet Academy’s PreProfessional Program and have been studying here since.

What is your audition day routine?

Alisa: Food is an important routine for me. The night before, I’ll have a big bowl of pasta. On the morning, like cooking eggs for protein, knowing it will help sustain me for the day. Right before the audition, always have a banana. Mentally, I like to know the schedule off the top of my head because if I’m stressed, know it will translate into my performance. In the morning I make sure have ample time to get ready and warm up.

How do you feel about artistry vs technique vs passion?

Max: I’d say it’s important to work on your technique and artistry every day during company class. Performing onstage is also a big thing – it’s important to have had that experience prior, because they like to see that you’ve had a variety of experiences.

Alisa: That’s why the Academy’s Pre-Professional Program is great because we often get opportunities to work alongside the Company in mainstage productions. Having those experiences on your resume will always be helpful when auditioning. Plus, seeing the professional dancers is very inspiring and makes me want to work even harder.

Did you know:

How do you move past mistakes?

Alisa: It’s just something you have to learn over time.

The more mistakes you make, the easier it is to get over them because you realise how little they actually mean. Everyone makes them – even Principal Dancers, but they just keep dancing and look beautiful doing it. There’s no point getting caught up in it – you’ll lose focus and it will affect your performance.

Taking every audition experience as a growth opportunity academy.queenslandballet.com.au

Alisa : Recently one of my teachers told me that even if nothing comes out of an audition, you’ve opened a door, put your name out there, and made yourself seen, which is just as beneficial because who knows who you might meet later down the track. One audition can turn into so many possibilities in the future.

Max: Auditions are a great way to meet people. You’re in a room full of talented people from around the world you can make connections with. Imagine that!

• Queensland Ballet Academy currently has international students from Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea

• Queensland Ballet Company exclusively sources child performing roles for productions such as The Nutcracker from our younger Academy students

• 48% of the Queensland Ballet Company are Academy and Queensland Ballet’s former training programs Alumni

• The Academy is a partner school of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne competition

• Our Pre-Professional Program dancers gain invaluable experience performing in Queensland Ballet productions and stand-alone seasons throughout the course

• 100% of our Upper School Level 1 Classical cohort in 2022 were offered a place in the Pre-Professional Program in 2023

• 10 out of 12 of Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists in 2023 are graduates of our Pre-Professional Program