My first experience at South Street was in 1981 when I was eight years old. I performed several times that year and it was a very memorable! My very first performance was in the 6 years and under 9 Novice Classical Solo and then I performed in the Open Classical Solo section for the same age group. I believe I also did a character trio and a troupe with my ballet friends. I was fortunate to be awarded first prize for both my solo performance and I was hooked on South Street and don’t believe I have missed a year since.

I performed annually as a student with solos including Classical, Character, Jazz, Modern and National, duos and trios and of course troupes. A highlight for me as a performer at South Street was in 1985 when I won the Ballarat Ballet Guild Junior Ballet Championship. So many wonderful memories… walking the tunnels as we call them to the dressing rooms, the stairs to the stage, the excitement and anticipation of the green room and of course the lights and audience when on the stage. I have fond memories of the office that used to be at the front of the theatre… going there to collect crit sheets and signing the very big book Mr Hooper had to receive prize money. Everything was so special and felt very prestigious for a little girl with big dreams of dancing on the stage. The atmosphere is always energised with dancers, teachers, technicians, family and friends – all for the love of theatre and performing.

Ballet was always my focus however during South Street seasons I became friends with lots of other dance students, some of whom also did Calisthenics. So, I started Calisthenics too! This only lasted a short time but I did get to perform in that competition as well and over more recent years I have been to many Graceful Girl competitions at RSSS as I am fortunate to coach some of these gorgeous young ladies with their solos and have had several of the graceful girls I coach win the ultimate calisthenics prize at South Street.

As many will agree, flowers are a traditional gift, good luck ‘chookas’, ‘well done darling’ for performers. As a child, my friends and I would walk from the theatre to the council garden beds on Sturt St, which at that time had an abundance of bright yellow daffodils. We would pick the daffodils and give them to each other in the dressing room. To this very day, daffodils are my favourite flower and a symbol of South Street to me. Now a teacher with a ballet school in Ballarat, every student of mine receives a daffodil at South Street. A tradition I hope will continue for many years as the Dance competition is always in Spring – as are daffodils!

Once my time as a performer at South Street came to an end, my life continued a journey in dance of which I am sure the experiences of South Street contributed to inspiring. I would eagerly visit South Street each year, to reunite with teachers and performers and of course the many wonderful committee members and volunteers that seem to have remained with South Street forever!!!

When I commenced a dance teaching career in Melbourne and taught at various schools I would choreograph and coach soloists and troupes for South Street which saw me commence to see South Street from a new perspective. Needless to say, it was still the same excitement and the same uniqueness. I feel I have relationships with so many people that continue to evolve because of the connection South Street provides. I simply love it! My students love it too!

In 2001 I moved back to Ballarat with my husband and growing family and continued to be involved in South Street each year. My mother, sister and grandmother had also become involved as volunteers and soon my two daughters would be performing at South Street too.

In 2010 I opened my ballet school here in Ballarat, The Academy of Classical Ballet. Not wanting to wait anytime to be involved again with South Street, in the first year and with just a small school, I entered troupes and quite a few soloists. Since then, and as my school grew, I am proud to support South Street wholeheartedly and annually enter many students and troupes and literally live at South Street for the entire two weeks of the Dance Competition. Some of my soloists have been prize winners in many sections as have many of my troupes and whilst these accolades are held with high esteem and great humility, it is simply to be part of South Street that invigorates the soul and inspires one to continue to pursue dreams be it for oneself or to guide others. Every young artist who steps onto the stage at Royal South Street is special and every performer deserves that opportunity to express themselves, to dance, to aspire and to be inspired.

Over the many years I have witnessed the amazing work of the Dance Chairs along with the many members who form the Dance Committee and volunteers that make it all possible. Most importantly I have great respect and admiration for the passion of the ultimate gentleman, Life Member, Dr Tony Cole. To me, Mr Cole IS South Street!

I look forward to every single year and yes – I will have daffodils for every one of my students!