10 Questions For …Belle McDonagh, Teacher, Elancé Adult Ballet School

1. As an adult, how has ballet training changed for you?

Ballet training as an adult is a vastly different experience to training when younger. There is less pressure on the outcome and more scope to truly enjoy every aspect. Discipline is still required but there is time to feel the beauty (and appreciate the difficulty!) of each moment.

2. What does Adult Ballet mean to you?

Endless possibilities! There is something deeply satisfying when teaching ballet to adult students regardless of level. To see students gain confidence in their abilities, find their dancer’s spirit and connect (or reconnect) with an art form that is often regarded as elitist, is a privilege and quite humbling. It brings me immense joy and is one of the reasons that I love my job so much!

3. Adage or allegro (and why)?

To see either danced with passion is a delight, but if I had to do it? Definitely adage, though I always wished I was better at it! I love grand allegro, but when the movements and music of an adage are in perfect harmony it’s possible to be transported beyond the physical. The steps become a conduit for the expression of the soul. It’s a beautiful feeling.

4. If you weren’t teaching ballet, what would you be doing?

I don’t know that I can narrow it down to one thing! Words have always fascinated me, so writing, editing or law. Or more studying. There’s always the potential for more studying!

5. What is the quirkiest item in your ballet bag?

I actually just had to check my bag to see if there was anything quirky in there! The best I could come up with is a fluffy, sparkly hair elastic that belongs to one of my daughters. I’m really quite boring when it comes to my ballet bag.

6. What does your life outside of Elancé involve?

Family. I have a wonderful husband and two gorgeous daughters who keep me on my toes!

7. What is your down-time?

That depends on how much time I get! Usually reading, sometimes in the hammock, sometimes in the bath with a glass of wine. I manage to read everyday. It’s my little escape.

8. What can you reveal about yourself that no-one would imagine?

I love footy! Oh dear, no self-respecting ballet teacher should admit that! But I do. I’ve been a member of the Western Bulldogs for 10 years and when I go to a game I barrack and I am loud! Though I’m sure my students can appreciate that. My girls love the footy too and we often go as a family.

9. What would you tell your 15 year old ballet-self if you could?

Be brave. At 15 I had just been accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and I moved out of home to attend (I grew up in northern NSW) when I was barely 16. I would also tell myself to continue to believe in myself and in my abilities, and to question everything.

10. Where is your next holiday destination (even in your dreams)?

My next holiday is a camping trip with my family to South Australia – we love camping. But I would also travel just about anywhere. Travelling is such a wonderful experience.