A LILLI Pilli dancer is leaping towards a successful career with Quantum Leap Dance Company in Canberra.
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For a second time, St Peter’s student Ayla Scholtz will join elite dancers in an ensemble performance at the Canberra Playhouse.
Last year, Ayla was cast in the production Boundless and this year will dance in Reckless Valour, an ANZAC centenary performance.
“I had to try out for the position and have been training since March,” Ayla said.
“It is pretty full-on, but I love it. It is another step up from Boundless.
“I have learnt how to use my emotions in dance, because this show has a lot of theatrics.
“I have learnt and have grown so much, as a person and a dancer.”
Ayla said the performance was about those who went to war and what happened to them.
“I am in one piece this year,” she said.
“There are five pieces. They are Lest We Forget, Faces of the Enemy, Pool of Reflection, Roll of Honour and Road to Nowhere.
Ayla has been dancing since she was three years old and trains each Sunday and throughout school holidays.
“I also train with Tidal Dance Group, in Ulladulla, four times a week,” Ayla said.
“I live and breathe dancing. In April, we trained nine-to-five for 12 days straight.”
Ayla’s biggest challenge is managing her shin splints.
To prepare for seven shows in four days, Ayla is busy icing her shins, rehearsing her routine and getting massages for what is going to be an unusually demanding role.
“I have to play a boy, because there are not enough boys,” she said.
“There were not enough stronger girls to lift. It is a privilege to be given a boy’s role, because you have to have strength.”
Ayla has found her calling in contemporary dance, ballet and jazz.
“I have a passion for all three,” she said.
“This is what I want to do for a career. I would like to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
“I would like to study criminal psychology, as well, in case I get injured and can’t dance.”
The show starts on Wednesday, July 29.
“We have huge days at the theatre,” Ayla said.
“One day is 9am until 11pm. This is more challenging than last year’s show because it is longer.
“You aren’t just there for yourself; there is a lot of teamwork.”
Visit www canberratheatrecentre.com.au for tickets.
