Noosa dancer Edison Manuel will star in the principal role of the Prince in Queensland Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker being performed at QPAC Brisbane from 5-13 December.
Edison grew up in Noosa, first training in gymnastics before switching at seven years of age to dance classes at Fierce Studios in Noosa.
From there Edison auditioned and was accepted into the Queensland Ballet Associate Program, progressing to the Senior Program and today is one of their leading dancers, this year taking on the role of the vain playboy, Valmont in Dangerous Liaisons, prior to The Nutcracker.
Edison spoke to Noosa Today this week about his ballet career.
“What attracted me to ballet was the music, connection and athleticism,” he said.
“Coming from a gymnastics background, my coaches at the time suggested ballet as a way to improve my coordination, control and overall strength. I took their advice and gave it a go and instantly found that I was intrigued by the variety of connection it offered. Connection to the music and how I responded to it, connection to my peers and partners and the connection to a story and how I could use it as a platform to grow artistically.
“Fierce Studios in Noosaville was the starting place of my journey and under the careful eye of Jason King, I was taught about the discipline and artistry required in this industry and how engaging this platform is as a storyteller.”
Edison said what he most enjoyed in ballet was its balance between athleticism and artistry but also the camaraderie.
“Hearing the music and being able to make artistic choices in response still feels thrilling,” he said.
“I love the camaraderie in the studio and working closely with other dancers, especially in partnering, creates trust and connection that really fuels me.
“The range of repertoire we perform keeps me constantly growing, both physically and creatively. Every day I get the chance to tell stories through movement. I’m inspired by dancers who can combine technical excellence with raw emotion, artists who move with both purpose and feeling. My colleagues and friends at Queensland ballet embody this and are a constant source of inspiration.”
Being a principal ballet dancer is a demanding profession and preparing for the lead role in The Nutcracker he describes as a “full, immersive process”.
“Each day starts with a ballet class, which sets the tone physically and mentally. From there, rehearsals take up most of the day, and we supplement that with gym and Pilates and physio work to maintain strength and condition, much like every other major sports,” he said.
“A big part of the preparation is working with my partners on building trust, timing and coordination. Beyond the physical work, there’s also a strong emotional and intellectual element. As a partnership we spend time understanding the choreography and the characters in order to dance with real intention and depth on stage, creating a performance that feels honest and connected.”
Edison has been the recipient of a number of awards, but significantly, the Alison Baden-Clay scholarship set up by Alison’s daughters when she was killed in a DV crime. Alison was an avid dance lover.
While his career in now in Brisbane Edison returns home as much as possible to unwind at our beautiful Noosa beaches.
