Gabrielle Krinas: Australian Semi-Finalist in The Fonteyn 2023:
- What does it mean to you to be selected as one of the semi-finalists for The Fonteyn? How does it feel to be part of this event?
I have followed the Fonteyn for so many years now and I am so excited to have been selected to participate. I feel so lucky to be actually travelling to London and to be a part of the Fonteyn which until now I had only dreamed of doing. To participate in an event that has had so many incredible people take part in before me is overwhelming and I feel so privileged!
- Can you tell us about your journey in ballet and what inspired you to pursue dance at such a high level?
I started dancing (Ballet) when I was 4 years old, it was really just for fun. When I was 8 I started dancing with Aria Dance Academy and never looked back. Under the guidance of Manola Zanetti and Helen Poulos, my love of all dance genres developed, and I had started Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary lessons before my Mum even knew what was happening. When I was 11, I moved to Kim Harvey School of Dance, where I found my passion for Classical Ballet. Over the years I have had the pleasure of learning from Kim Harvey and Samantha Leeman and many others. Ms Kim and Ms Sam, in particular, have both inspired me so much and have been such an important part of my journey in Ballet.
- The Fonteyn showcases exceptional talent from around the world. How have you been preparing for this competition, both physically and mentally?
Ballet is always both physically and mentally demanding. I think it is important to always work towards being stronger and better than your last performance. This year a lot of my focus has been on sitting the Solo Seal Exam and preparing for the Fonteyn. After working through options for both the Classical Repertoire Variation and “Dancers Own” choreographic piece, I have been trying to find how to bring each piece to life and finding connection between myself and the choreography. I am super lucky that I have great teachers and mentors to help and guide me, who support my physical growth but also help provide mental focus and clarity. I also have a great cohort at KHSD who keep me laughing and having fun, they remind me to enjoy special moments and opportunities like the Fonteyn.
- What advice would you give to other aspiring young ballet dancers who aspire to participate in prestigious competitions like The Fonteyn International Ballet Competition?
The best advice I could give to another aspiring ballet dancer would be to have fun! If you get too lost in trying to make everything perfect and precise (which is still important) you can get so disheartened with yourself and this is counter productive. You do ballet because you love it and you need to keep that joy and balance within your work ethic. Of course, listen to your teachers, take feedback and advice because they know what is best for you. Finally, try new things, without pushing myself out of my comfort zone I never would have achieved this goal of dancing at the Fonteyn!
- Finally, could you please share one interesting and ‘fun fact’ about yourself?
One interesting and ‘fun’ fact about me is that I have read 30 books so far this year!
For media enquiries please contact
Olivia Weeks
National Marketing Manager