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opportunities, he chose to move to Queensland and train under Barbara Eversen, Director of the Australian Dance Performance Institute (ADPI) in Brisbane (see School Find listing). A keen ballet student, he also keeps his Cecchetti training up with Monique Feain in Alstonville, NSW.
Read Jarrad’s interview below…
Congratulations on winning the RAD Australian Bursary. How did you feel when you were announced the winner?
My first thought when they announced that the winner was number 7 was 'Hold on, that’s me!'. It’s very rewarding when you win something that you have strived for and put so much time and effort into. I also felt very grateful that my teacher was there to put me through the whole experience and was able to watch me accomplish this.
Tell us about the RAD Australian Bursary. What was the competition like? What did it involve?
The Bursary is open to all students, who are either 17 years or under, have completed their RAD Advanced One examination with distinctions and have not yet sat for their Advanced Two examination. You're asked to learn four exercises involving port de bras, turns, jumps etc whilst incorporating musicality, technique, artistry and connecting to the exercises. Basically, each state chose a winner to represent them in the national final which was held in Sydney. There were 7 of us in the finals with me as the only male, and everyone was amazing. It was great to be able to dance amongst a high standard of dancers as it made me perform even better.
What are your plans for the $5000 prize? How will this help you further your training?
At the moment, it’s helping me prepare for my overseas trip as I've spent most the holiday period in Brisbane training on my RAD Advanced 2 with Miss Eversen and preparing for the Prix de Lausanne. If I am able to do the The Genée International Ballet Competition next year, hopefully some of the prize money can go towards that as it is to be held in Toronto, Canada. I would also like to complete my RAD Advanced 2 and Solo Seal next year also.
Have you won any other dance competitions or prizes in the past? Tell us about them and how they have helped you develop your dance talent.
Unfortunately, I missed a lot of competitions in the past 2 years as I spent them training at the ABS perfect my technique and learning much about the professional dance world. I was, however, able to compete at SODA in Sydney last year. SODA was quite daunting as I had not competed in anything at all for so long. I made it to the finals in the senior section which I was most pleased with considering the competition was of such a high standard. I was awarded a $7000 travelling scholarship by Cecchetti's Big Brother Movement Organisation which allows me to spend at least 6 weeks in the United Kingdom dancing and learning about dance in the UK.
What has competing in these events taught you about yourself and your art form?
I definitely think that performing at events such as the Bursary lifts your confidence and helps you to strive for things that you think are impossible. It was great to be able to speak to the adjudicators Colin Peasley and Megan Connolly who are associated with the Australian Ballet Company. They gave me terrific advice and encouragement which will no doubt help me become a better dancer.
What inspired you to start dancing? What inspires you to work so hard at it today?
I started dancing after my sister started and just enjoyed doing something different that didn’t require a bat or a ball. All you need is yourself, a drive and your confidence, oh and music helps.
Being 17, it’s quite a critical age as its nearing the beginning of a dance career. The more I can learn and get my body to do now will make it easier to be accepted into a company and in time, become a professional dancer.
What does the New Year hold for Jarrad Cramp?
2008 is quite an eventful year for me. I leave for the United Kingdom on 17th of January to fulfill a travelling scholarship I won last year through the Cecchetti Society. Whilst over there, I'll be heading to Switzerland to compete in the Prix De Lausanne where I am hoping to find a position with a company and begin a life as a dancer. If I have time, I have plans to compete at Genee, finish my exams and compete in other various international competitions such as the Cecchetti International Competition which is also being held in Toronto, Canada.
Where will we see you in 5 years? Plans, goals…
In 5 years... definitely dancing in a company either here in Australia or overseas. I would love to start travelling all over the world learning as much about dance as I can so one day I can pass my knowledge onto others.
Find out more info about Australian Dance Performance Institute - where Jarrad trains! www.adpi.com.au |
