Narre Warren teenager Madeleine KingstonYates is preparing for the ballet dance of her life in London next week.By Alison Noonan
A NARRE Warren teenager is pirouetting her way to the international ballet scene.
Sixteenyearold Madeleine KingstonYates will grace the world stages when she arrives in London for the prestigious Genee International Ballet competition next week.
The Victorian College of the Arts student recently spent a week at a Sydney ballet school perfecting her repertoire before departing for London on Monday.
Mother Leonie said she was excited and proud of her talented daughter, who had been dancing since the age of four.
“She will be dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy dance from the Nutcracker,” she said.
“It is such a wonderful opportunity for her. To be in this world class competition against 65 others is just such an honour.
“I am so proud of her.”
Mrs KingstonYates said Madeleine’s older sister was accompanying her on their first trip to Europe, where Madeleine would also use the time to audition for ballet companies in Switzerland and Germany.
“She’s quite timid so this is a big thing for her. I just wish I could have gone with her,” she said.
“The whole competition has really opened her eyes to the fact that there is so much out there. It is such a fantastic achievement and the experience she will gain is priceless.”
She said Madeleine’s passion and dedication to her ballet left her little time for boyfriends, part time jobs or socialising.
“She leaves about 6.40am for the city and doesn’t get home until around 7pm or 8pm,” she said.
“She also attends college on Saturday. To combine her dancing and academics is quite an arduous task that doesn’t leave much time for anything else.
“But she just loves it. She is one of five girls in the family and they are all dancers. We are going to do everything we can for her because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
