 It has only been a little while, since Xavier Xue strutted his stuff at the Prix de Lausanne - in Switzerland, and he is already enjoying a new stage, at the QPAC Centre in Romeo and Juliet.  As Xavier states, it is his second time performing this wonderful ballet that not only captivates the eyes, but steals the heart for every romantic on the planet.  I - for one, am totally taken with this ballet and indeed, it could be my all time favourite. It never ceases to amaze me, as to how the choreography pulls at the heart strings and delivers a chill upon my person. …Guess, I am one of those people who truly gets absorbed, in the moment. I am sure it did the same for all, who had the privilege to view it. March 21- March 29, 2025 was not a long season, but long enough to learn the ropes of playing Romeo and also for dancers, playing Juliet.  Twas a great opportunity, Xavier; full of wonderful memories, playing along side other talented dancers. Now, we eagerly await your next exciting chapter, in the world of dance!
 Photo courtesy Nicola Walters - Sophie Walters on stage at Birmingham Hippodrome Sophie Walters has come a long way, since the days of trophies, medals and sweaty ballet rooms. Now, she adds a huge element of pride to her collection - shining on stage as a member of the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Oh, and how she shines! A beautiful presentation, not to be missed by anyone - and if you are stuck here in Oz, you will wish her all the very best for her 2024, end of year ballet season - because soon she’ll be tweaking her toes and stretching her limbs for 2025! May this season, be the catalyst to incredible opportunities! 
Xavier Xué BARRIGA goes to Prix de Lausanne in 2025!
The Prix de Lausanne 2025 Candidates have now been selected, and out of 86 final candidates - all who will compete in 2025 for the coveted classical dance award - the below 8 dancers from the Australasian region - are among the best!
There were many deserving dancers who competed for a chance at the finals - but sadly not everyone can be selected. These are our Aussie and Kiwi dancers that will do us proud, I am sure. We can't wait to see your talent in action, once again. Huge Congratulations! ... to all selected candidates. BARRIGA Xavier Xué Australia 17 years, 8 month Boys B Male Queensland Ballet Academy Australia COOPER Jessica Australia 15 years, 8 month Girls A Female Classical Coaching Australia Australia LANCE Samuel Australia 18 years, 5 month Boys B Male Zurich Dance Academy Switzerland LOPES Rebecca Australia 18 years, 3 month Girls B Female Australian Ballet School Australia ROWLEY Bianca Australia 16 years, 7 month Girls A Female Venus Villa Dance Academy P. R. China SZUMOWSKI Tahlia Australia 17 years, 10 month Girls B Female Queensland College of Dance Australia TAGGART Oscar Australia 15 years, 4 month Boys A Male Alegria Dance Studios Australia GIDDENS Hamish New Zealand 17 years, 2 month Boys B Male Convergence Dance Studios New Zealand
More About the Prix de Lausanne
​ The Prix de Lausanne is one of the most well-known and exciting of classical dance competitions in the world, and to compete, all 86 dancers out of an initial - 445 applicants, will work their toes in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland. The Theatre de Beaulieu is an exceptional theatre, situated in city's capital of the Olympics. It serves for both artistic and cultural performances, and the city will very much come to life for this performance - give candidates representing 22 countries will compete in this complex. Their families, friends and BYO cheer squads will all be there cheering them on!  -----------------------------------------Dancer: Madison Ayton - 2013 Junior Sketa Oz Cup Award Winner----------------------------------------- Image Courtesy: AustralianDancers.com.au Classical ballet demands not only artistic excellence but also physical endurance and strength. Achieving peak performance requires more than just rigorous training and impeccable technique—it necessitates a holistic approach to rest, safe exercise practices, and nutrition. As a ballet dancer, understanding and integrating these components into your routine can significantly enhance your performance, prevent injury, and support overall well-being.
The Power of Rest Rest is a crucial component of a dancer’s training regimen. While it might seem counterintuitive in a discipline that glorifies relentless practice, rest is essential for several reasons: 1. Muscle Recovery and Growth: Ballet training places significant stress on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. During rest periods, the body repairs and strengthens these tissues. Adequate sleep and relaxation allow for muscle recovery, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and improving overall strength and flexibility. 2. Mental Rejuvenation: Ballet is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. Rest helps in cognitive recovery, allowing dancers to return to training with improved focus, creativity, and motivation. Adequate sleep enhances memory consolidation, which is vital for learning and retaining complex choreography. 3. Prevention of Burnout: Consistent, intense training without sufficient rest can lead to burnout, characterized by physical exhaustion and emotional fatigue. Incorporating rest days into your training schedule helps maintain enthusiasm and prevents mental and physical fatigue. Safe Dance Practices Safety in dance practice is paramount for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term health. Key considerations include: 1. Avoiding Hard Surfaces: Dancing on hard surfaces like concrete can lead to issues such as shin splints, joint pain, and stress fractures. Whenever possible, practice on sprung floors or surfaces designed to absorb impact. If training on hard floors is unavoidable, use appropriate footwear with adequate cushioning to minimize stress on your body. 2. Proper Technique and Alignment: Ensuring correct technique and alignment not only enhances performance but also prevents injuries. Work with a qualified instructor who can provide feedback on your form and alignment. Proper technique reduces undue stress on the body and minimizes the risk of overuse injuries. 3. Gradual Progression: Increasing the intensity and duration of your training gradually helps to prevent overuse injuries. Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain or fatigue. A gradual progression in training intensity allows your body to adapt and build resilience. Nourishment for Optimal Performance Nutrition plays a vital role in a dancer’s ability to perform at their best. A balanced diet supports energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall health: 1. Energy and Endurance: Ballet requires significant energy expenditure. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provides sustained energy throughout long practice sessions. Proper carbohydrate intake helps maintain glycogen levels, which are crucial for endurance. 2. Muscle Repair and Growth: Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth. Incorporate lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes into your meals to support muscle recovery and development. 3. Hydration: Staying hydrated is critical for maintaining performance and preventing cramps and fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider electrolyte-rich beverages after intense training sessions. 4. Vitamins and Minerals: A well-rounded diet ensures adequate intake of vitamins and minerals essential for bone health and overall vitality. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium support bone strength and muscle function, while antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help combat oxidative stress. Balancing It All To excel in classical ballet, dancers must strike a delicate balance between rest, safe practice, and nutrition. Embracing a comprehensive approach to these aspects of training will not only enhance performance but also promote long-term health and well-being. Remember, a well-rested, well-nourished, and injury-free dancer is a more effective and resilient performer. Prioritize these elements to achieve your full potential on stage and in the studio. When the world of blisters, worn shoes, tired muscles, never-ending hard work, exhausted body and mind comes to the forefront of one's balletic existence - magic happens! Sophie Walters knows what all this means; she has come full circle and now the universe is rewarding her - for dedication to her craft.
Sophie has joined the Burmingham Royal Ballet! What an incredible feat! We wish you well with your career and can't wait to hear of all the escapades you will encounter, as you soar your point shoes, to a name in lights! Keep setting the world on fire, Sophie! @paulhasselhofphotography @sophie_walters @sketaozgroup @sketaoz #dance #believe #believeinyourself #magic #strength #resilience #makeithappen It is with great pleasure we announce that Kaela Tapper is joining the Royal Swedish Ballet in August 2024! We wish you the very best for your career - May your feet be swift, your musicality and passion without question and your strength to endure a dancer's career outstanding!
Blessings to you, my love - love Ms. Selina #sketaoz #dance #ballet Instagram - @royalswedishballet @kaela_ballerina 
So, here's my design news! As many of you know, I create surface designs for a variety of products and this year, I decided to focus on getting my wrapping paper started. This was no easy task; I can tell you. I guess the most difficult, was deciding on whether to print in Australia, or print overseas. I wanted to keep a handle on my work, save funds, and make sure I could do a colour-check of my designs. This was really important. I know, I'm pretty picky - but perfectionism is hard to turn off. When I went through this process last time, it just wasn't possible and definitely not as feasible, as one might expect. This year, feasibility was better. So, I gave it a shot, printed in Australia and was very happy with the quality results.
So, why didn't I print overseas? Well, there were other issues I was also concerned about. Piracy of artworks, huge freight charges, lengthy time restraints, not being able to explain exactly what I wanted, and not to being able to check it quickly, really bugged me. Then I thought, if I print here initially, whileI'm small, even if the costs are a little higher, I retain safety over my work. Of course, there is no substitute for safety and if this line is to be a homegrown hit, then one is forced to bite the bullet and wear the difference in costs. I don't think it would be so concerning, if we actually had a budget and funding. But that's a whole other issue. As you know, much of what I create is done on the smell of an oily rag. I don't know how I do it sometimes. All I can say is, " I sure hope we get funding New Year!" Either way, we are finally moving forward. The line is taking shape, which makes me extremely happy. So, without further ado, below is a quick video (as promised) to show you part of the process.
 Just a gentle reminder for everyone - the 2022 LILIWIOFE Diary is already in print. ELK Publishing is taking orders for Christmas and the New Year. You'll need to place your orders pretty swiftly, if you would like to pop it under your Christmas tree, for someone extra special. I would love to see this diary out and about - in the hands of so many, more people. I know every year is a new beginning, but I think if one can not make a pledge to make more of one's life, at the beginning of the year - when everything is fresh as a daisy - sitting along side all of those great ideas that just haven't yet been done - when is the right time to get started? The time is now.  Publishing this year's planner/diary I have painted with watercolour and used pen and ink for my underlying design. The LILIWIOFE theme retains its colours of purple and mauve, with a highlight of black and white. Like all of the LILIWIOFE diaries, you will find lots of inspiring quotes to get you moving; to think about life and to appreciate all that you have. Yes, it's been difficult times of late - for me included. I don't think there is anyone on the planet, who hasn't been affected by CoVid and all the associated problems that come with this unusual world event. However, I don't think we can let it define us, in all that we do and want to achieve in life. One cannot just stand still, vegetate or hide away in the closet, hoping this will just go away. We all must bite the bullet and just live life for what it is. I mean, really live life. Every moment is a blessing; every sunrise a gift; every breathe a bonus. ...Sketa So, make a difference in your life and share your dreams. Make them a reality in which to live and prosper. Then, go out and lend a hand - make a difference in someone else's life. Gift them a LILIWIOFE Diary. A lot of action has taken place at Sketa Oz Design this year. With the newly joined force of Milton and King for wallpaper, we also would like to announce the Xmas wrapping paper, giftbags and wine bags for the designer line. We are still in the early stages of PR, but if you want a slice of the action and support my venture with Sketa Oz Design, place and order for Xmas. Product will be ready for Xmas (at the printer, presently - they should be done in a day or so - hold off wrapping), so that you can wrap and package to your hearts' content. Xmas Wrapping paper
GiftbagsLike all my paper goods, the wine and giftbags are handcrafted. The medium-sized bag ends up 11.5" x 9" once complete and finished with black satin handles. The line follows the traditional Asian feel of design, which all my products encompass and look awesome in use. I'm still waiting for my goods to finish printing and yes - all totally printed and hand manufactured in Australia! I have printed only a small Xmas bundle to see how it all works, but Sketa Oz Design is beginning to flourish. I will expanded the printing of products as needed.
WinebagsWinebags are again, handcrafted - finished with black, satin handles and when complete measure 11" x 4", just the right size for your Xmas bottle of plonk.
Given the line is newly released for Xmas, I am yet to set up sales pages for these; they are coming. (Gosh, I have so many things to do!!!) Let me know if you are keen to purchase. You can load your requests at [email protected]
 ELK Publishing has just released the new LILIWIOFE' (annual) life Diaries. It's an A5 diary that plans to get your long-forgotten dreams - kick started, organised and realised for 2021. Motivating you from Day one, LILWIOFE' Diaries will help kick-off the CoVid blues, to give you a fresh start to the New Year. So, you and your dreams can grow to their full potential. Don't leave it until it's too late. Life is far too short not to 'just do it' - it's now or never! Don't worry about your #hashtags - LILIWIOFE' has got them sorted for each and everyday of the year. You can hit the ground running and focus on building your dreams a reality to live in. Gift this precious gem to other like-minded individuals who have been doing it tough, but need a bit of TLC to get them going again. Support and inspire each other; share your journey milestones at the Instagram hashtag #liliwiofe'; see what, how and who is moving forward with their dreams, in 2021. Order your copies at: https://www.elk-publishing.com/elk-books.html#/ Join us - see you on Instagram! :)
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