By Margaret Maccoll
At just 13 years of age, junior ballet sensation Scarlett O’Rielley has her life mapped out beginning with moving to Melbourne next year to take up a coveted place at The Australian Ballet School.
“It’s my dream to become a dancer, and for me to get into the Australian Ballet School it was making it a reality,” she said.
“I was very overwhelmed and excited at the opportunity.”
Scarlett auditioned in 2015 for the school’s interstate program, and gained access to classes in Melbourne on a part-time basis.
Scarlett auditioned again last August and recently received a letter of acceptance to their full-time program which involves moving into the boarding home for dances and splitting her days between dance classes and school.
Scarlett said the move away from home was “a little scary” but the boarding home looked “amazing” and was a place she felt very comfortable.
The Dance Centre Peregian Springs principal Deborah Preece-Brocksom said it would be sad to farewell Scarlett after nine years at the school, but she had worked so hard and deserved her place among the best ballet dancers in the country at the Australian Ballet School.
Scarlett will play the lead role, Beatrix Potter, in the centre’s 2017 concert.
Miss Deborah said The Tales of Beatrix Potter was a delightful ballet for all ages and included many much-loved characters. The concert will be held at Matthew Flinders Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 3 December at 4pm.
