 Sophie Walters (centre right) backstage with her dancing toed friends!!! ☺ So, not every day has to be a workday, for any dancer. In fact, one often does one's best work, by taking a step outside the point shoes, smelly tights and fancy costumes, to see the sights of the world.  Time to get off stage and get some sunshine ☀ Sophie and her friends have hit the streets of Tokyo for two, whole weeks! They are having a ball and a well-deserved break from the lights and action of dancing - 24/7. A few days in Osaka and Nagoya will definitely not go astray! No doubt, there will be lots to do when they get back - stretching, bar, centre practice, petit allegro ~ allegro and of course, a stack of rehearsal practice to get back in gear, again. I am sure they cannot wait!
So, until they do - get back that is.... click-click, selfie-selfie, post-post and lots of love, laughter and fun.
Build those memories girls. And yes, keep the green stuff going!!! Looks delicious! ☺  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! 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 |
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