Q&A with Academy Foundation Program Coordinator, Kym Stokes

For Academy Foundation Program Coordinator Kym Stokes, studying ballet provided career opportunities most people could only dream of - and not just in the ballet world. A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, Kym danced with Queensland Ballet before launching an adagio (acrobatics) and aerial performance career with her gymnast husband, performing in multiple companies around the world. Now the freelance teacher and Ballet Theatre Queensland Rehearsal Director, who also specialises in classical ballet, repertoire and Pilates, coordinates Queensland Ballet Academy’s Foundation Program which introduces the youngest students to the world of professional dance training.

In the leadup to the Foundation Program auditions on 21 November, we spoke with Kym about the illustrious avenues that ballet training can inspire.

Hi Kym, tell us a little about your role coordinating the Foundation Program at Queensland Ballet Academy.

I’m the Foundation Program Coordinator, which involves coordinating and delivering all three levels of the Program Levels 9-7/Academic Years 3-6. I develop the syllabus and content, mentor the teachers, and ensure we continue to provide a supportive learning environment for our youngest dancers. I also assess the students’ development with ongoing coaching and feedback, and monitor progression throughout the program.

You’ve had an incredibly creative and varied career, and not just in ballet. How has your background prepared you to teach the Foundation Program?

I trained at The Australian Ballet School and performed with Queensland Ballet under Artistic Director Harold Collins. I then embarked on a new pathway developing Adagio and Aerial acts with my husband. He’s a gymnast who, funnily enough, I also met through Queensland Ballet. We performed these art forms around the world, working and travelling together, which was incredible. After about 20 years, we returned to Brisbane, and I wanted to reconnect to ballet through teaching. I gained teaching qualifications including a Masters of Fine Arts at QUT, registered RAD and ACB syllabus, Pilates certification, Certificate IV Personal training, Certificate IV Training and Assessment. I then had the good fortune to be invited to take on this current role.

I’ve found that integrating a performance career and education empowered me to have a holistic approach to my students and teaching methods – the focus is beyond artistic presentation and technical execution, to encompassing the individual student’s wellbeing.

The Foundation Program introduces dancers aged 8 to 12 to a professional dance environment, in an after-school program – similar to many other extra-curricular sports or activities. What’s the environment like for these young students?

Incredibly nurturing, while also giving insight into what a professional dance training environment is like. The program is delivered after school hours at our state-of-the-art facility at Kelvin Grove, alongside other Academy programs. As these students are quite young, we designed the program to have a balance between formal training alongside their creative development. I think we’ve established a truly unique learning environment. It’s also rewarding to watch these children come in from the community and different schools to share their love of dance with each other. I’ve found they like to ask each other which day they’ll be in next or sit together to chat while they have their afternoon tea. They form bonds and friendships because they have that one common interest, which is really lovely to see.

What can prospective students expect to learn?

We are introducing them to the love of ballet. They get an overall dance education that encompasses, not just the foundation of refining their technique, but also a range of other classes and practical activities like body conditioning, stretch, improvisation and rehearsals to learn choreography. They can also meet some of the stars of Queensland Ballet and view Academy classes, which is a truly wonderful experience that they all love. Seeing the students make the connection between the person and the performer they have just watched is so special.

What is the audition process like?

They will be guided through a group session with easy-to-follow activities. The audition structure allows students to experience an audition for the first time, and we make the process very welcoming and encouraging. We have a current FP student demonstrate all the exercises, so they have someone around their age alongside them, which they appreciate. We explain each movement, so they understand each skill required.

What is a unique aspect of Queensland Ballet Academy?

What is so special about the Academy is that it is connected to Queensland Ballet. Students that train here are receiving knowledge and experience that comes from the QB Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO, which is an opportunity that is incomparable. Along with our Academy Director Christian Tàtchev, all the staff and teachers have had extensive careers and offer invaluable resources to each student. Academy students in Levels 6-1 have access to our physiotherapy team, and wellbeing staff that offer holistic support. The Foundation Program in particular is special because it’s the first point of entry into QB Academy’s professional training continuum and our students are considered first for children’s roles in company productions like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. Being on stage with a professional company is truly a unique opportunity for young dancers.

Anything else you would like young readers and parents/carers to know?

The Foundation Program offers these students not just ballet skills, but life skills. As well as the discipline, the foundational techniques, the history, there’s every chance the creativity we nurture from this young age will lead to them becoming composers or musicians, or artists, along with, of course, dancers in the future. Our classes are not just for lovers of ballet, but lovers of movement. This year we have a gymnast – a boy who had only done trampolining, and there is also an ice-skater! Both boys came to us through a love of movement and activity. The Foundation Program is perfect for young girls and boys who love to move!

Ballet training can be a pathway: it led me to different avenues I never would have thought possible. I’d say, enjoy the journey that ballet has to offer, cherish the friendships you make, and revel in the special opportunities that come up along the way.

By Cassandra Houghton