Pirouette perfection

By Tania Martin
IT’S every girl’s dream to be a ballerina and Emerald Primary School children last week got one step closer to that dream during a visit to the Australian Ballet.
The students got an exclusive look at how the ballet is produced from making costumes to learning all about the dance moves.
The day was made possible by the National Australia Bank (NAB) which is a major sponsor of the Australian Ballet.
The students were given a rare opportunity to try on real ballet costumes and to hear about the story behind the famous Nutcracker production.
Students also got the chance to make their own costumes and tiaras in a workshop.
Emerald Primary School was one of three Victorian schools to be selected to take part in this once in a lifetime sneak preview of the ballet.
Schools participating in the ballet day are currently trialing the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Better Buddies program which is also sponsored by the NAB.
The program is an anti-bullying initiative which aims to create positive school communities through a buddy system where older children care for younger students.
NAB Better Buddies representative Margaret Ryan said the bank was proud to provide unique opportunities like the trip to the Australian Ballet to local hills children.
“This event is the combination of two very important community programs at the NAB,” she said.
“We’re delighted to offer Emerald Primary School the opportunity to benefit, educate and inspire our most important asset – our children.”
Emerald Primary School teacher Leigh Johnson said all the students had a fantastic time at the ballet and that everyone did a fantastic job making costumes.