Australian ballet principal mentors emerging talent in CQ
THE region's dancers have had the rare opportunity to learn from and be inspired by one of the country's best - a principal dancer from the Australian Ballet Company.
Daniel Gaudiello arrived in Rockhampton on Saturday to hold auditions for the Young Dancers Company of Central Queensland's production of Coppelia, after teaching in Ballarat earlier that same day.
He then held auditions from Gladstone at the Thistle Pipe Band Hall on Sunday morning and spent a number of days mentoring dancers during the Young Dancers Company of CQ's Tanyalla Dance Camp.
Mr Gaudiello started as a performer with the Young Dancers Company CQ after artistic director Wendy Barker saw him perform at a concert in Brisbane.
Daniel, who was made assistant to the artistic director this year, was looking for classical ballet and contemporary technique during the auditions.
He said he was impressed with the calibre of talent he had seen so far.
"They try anything; I like that," he said. "They're really tough dancers."
Mr Gaudiello said performing with the Young Dancers of CQ was a good entry for him into the ballet scene.
Remaining good friends with Wendy Barker means Daniel is willing to come up and help the region's young dancers despite his tight schedule.
As a principal dancer with the Australian Ballet Company Daniel works six days a week, with three weeks off a year.
He said many people got married or held celebrations during those three weeks and he married his wife Lana Jones, who is also with the Australian Ballet Company, during that period one year.
"It would be hard to have a wife outside the ballet. You would never see them," he said.
Not that he is complaining, stating: "There's no other way to do it (ballet). It's all or nothing."
Daniel said the performance he was most looking forward to was playing opposite his wife in Don Quixote for the Australian Ballet Company this year, as it is his favourite ballet.
He is also planning on being involved in productions with the Queensland Ballet.
"I'm sure they've got some great things they are working on," he said.
