By Luke Voogt
Newtown teen Maelee Baron has danced to the top of Australian ballet, but her latest Geelong performance will be the first in her favourite role.
The excited 13-year-old will grace the stage as lead character Clara, from the Nutcracker, alongside fellow local ballerinas next week.
“Everyone’s really excited because we’ve been working really hard for the past few months on the dances,” she said.
Maelee started ballet at age three in Hong Kong, where she and her parents lived for her first nine years.
“I had a couple friends dancing there, so that’s why I wanted to join up,” she said.
Maelee entered the Australian Dance Competition earlier this year, where she placed several times and won in classical ballet for her age group.
She scored a 90-plus distinction in her most recent ballet exam and won a scholarship with Royal Academy of Dance.
“This year’s been a really good year for me,” she said.
Last year Maelee played the role of Cinderella (as a child) in a Victorian State Ballet production.
“It was a little bit nerve-wracking to start off, but it was really fun and a great experience,” she said.
Maelee studies at the Geelong Ballet Centre, which will present its yearly showcase at Geelong Performing Arts Centre from 20 to 21 October.
The centre’s new jazz and contemporary teachers had helped Maelee and fellow young dancers build their repertoires, she said.
“I’m really excited to show my mum and dad what I’ve been doing with those teachers.
“I love being on stage – I just love it. I’ve got lots of really close friends that I’ve made from ballet.”
Maelee’s teacher Stephanie Ruggeri praised her efforts.
“She has a positive, dedicated approach to her training and has a bright future ahead of her as a dancer.”
