Eve Jeffery
At just 12 years of age, Josh Price is living his dream: he was recently chosen to appear in the Australian Ballet’s Brisbane performances of Swan Lake.
Josh, who started dancing when he was eight, has studied at the Total Image Studio in Ballina and privately with Monique Feain in Alstonville.
But opportunities closer to Queensland’s capital have meant that the Prices have recently moved to Palm Beach.
Josh was very excited about dancing with the Australian Ballet, an opportunity that would be the envy of any serious ballet dancer in the country.
The Brisbane season of Swan Lake ran from February 22 to March 2 and Josh appeared in four of the eight performances. As part of his role, Josh met with the cast the week before the shows to rehearse and familiarise himself with the company and the theatre.
‘I couldn’t wait to experience the stage with the Australian Ballet,’ said Josh during a break in rehearsals. ‘I enjoyed watching the behind the scenes work and how the production comes together.’
Apart from learning his role in the opening scenes of the ballet, Josh was able to watch the cast work, visit the costuming department for fittings, and he got a ground zero experience of listening to how the choreographer and other staff work. He was also able to see one of the dancers whose work he admires. ‘Daniel Gaudiello danced the prince, the male lead in Swan Lake. His jumps and turns are amazing!’
Mum Donna was very happy to see her son trying something new and extending his already comprehensive experience.
‘Some people try to find their “thing” all their lives,’ says Donna. ‘Josh has been lucky to find his when he is young. I never imagined that in such a short time he could have achieved and excelled so quickly. I am proud of him for pursuing his dream no matter what and I will support him in any way I can.’
Josh already has a string of awards and dance appearances under his dance belt, including work with the Queensland Ballet. He eventually hopes to travel overseas and explore the possibilities in European dance companies.
Next for Josh is the 2013 Alana Haines Australasian Ballet Competition, held in Wellington at Easter, and then a walk on role with the Queensland Ballet in Cinderella. And in the mean time, he continues his dance education with Danielle Williams at Danielle’s Studio of Dance, Burleigh Heads.
Photos © Tree Faerie Fotos