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Issue 53 – June 2015 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
Heidi was awestruck when she found out she was chosen for
the programme.
“I said to Mum, Are you kidding me? I could not
believe it,” Heidi comments.
Heidi has been learning Ballet since she was three years old and
is clearly dedicated, training almost every day. She admits Ballet
certainly has its challenges.
“But it is a really nice feeling getting it right. Your moment of
glory,” Heidi says.
She loves to dance, not only for the fitness benefits but the travel
opportunities that competitions present.
“Performing on stage has also improved my confidence,” Heidi
says.
Heidi moved to Queen Margaret College last year joining the
Year 8 cohort. She settled into school life balancing her busy Ballet
‘All the world’s a stage’ for aspiring Ballet dancer Heidi Craig. The Year 9 student is one of only
six chosen for a National Ballet Mentorship Programme in the Wellington region. She will
spend a year being mentored by professional dancer Tonia Looker, who has been dancing for
the Royal New Zealand Ballet since 2008.
schedule with her academic studies. She enjoys all her subjects but
says Ballet has been most useful in Physical Education class.
Originally from Australia, Tonia was awarded a scholarship to
train with the school of American ballet in New York and Toronto’s
National Ballet School. Having Tonia as her mentor, Heidi will be
able to receive advice and guidance from Tonia on her own training
throughout the year.
Heidi is hoping to follow in Tonia’s footsteps and join the Royal
New Zealand Ballet after she finishes school.
The above photo of Heidi was taken by Amber Griffin
Photography at the Alana Haines Australasia Awards during Easter
weekend. She was dancing a variation from the ballet Giselle for a
full house at Wellington’s State Opera House. With 160 international
ballet dancers, Heidi was thrilled to make it through to the quarter
finals.
Born to Dance