Nine-year-old Emily Anlanger danced up a storm with the Australian Ballet’s Dancers Company ballerina Kristy Corea. 20601 Picture: Stewart Chambers.
By Kelly Yates
A BUDDING ballerina’s dreams came true when she twirled with the stars of the Australian Ballet’s Dancers Company last week.
Narre Warren South’s Emily Anlanger dreams of becoming a ballerina and watched in awe as the dancers rehearsed at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre last Friday for the opening show that evening.
The dancers performed two shows at the theatre and took the audience on a magical journey through the dance inspired stories of Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball and Aurora’s Wedding in Sleeping Beauty.
Nine-year-old Emily has been dancing for five years and trains at the Cathy Lea Academy of Performing Arts in Narre Warren.
She hopes to pursue a career in the ballet industry, being either a dancer or an instructor.
The grade three student at Trinity Catholic Primary School trains two nights a week and sat for her grade two classical ballet exam last Sunday.
Emily’s mother Julie Anlanger said her daughter was excited to meet the dancers.
Despite not being able to talk to them during the rehearsal, Emily got the opportunity to get up close and personal with them after the premiere performance.
“I got to meet my favourite dancer, the one with the pig tails and she signed my program,” Emily said.
The talented dancer said she also enjoyed writing and art and has regular keyboard lessons.
Mrs Anlanger said she enjoyed dancing just as much as her daughter.
“I feed off her excitement,” she said.
The proud mother said her daughter had a natural talent and grace for dance.
“But I could be a biased parent,” she laughed.
Emily said she felt confident during her 40 minute exam and will receive her results within the coming weeks.
