BOLD and beautiful

While many of us were binge-watching television during lockdown, dancers Zoe Cavedon and Claudia Hastings were busy with Pilates, weight training and long runs.

The two dancers explained they had to build their muscle strength and stay in tip-top-shape for BOLD, the latest show by PROJECTion Dance.

“Since we have been out of the studio because of COVID, we have been doing our own work to keep fit for shows,” Claudia said.

“The show is going to be quite powerful, we are going to be doing lots of quick movements, so we have to be super strong and ready to go to prevent injuries.”

The crew have been back in the studio for rehearsal this week.

“It’s great to be back,” Zoe said.

“We have been doing a lot of strengthening, a lot of cardio and ballet technique, contemporary classes as well as Pilates, so a mix of everything so that we are prepared for anything.

BOLD, described as emotional and athletic ballet performances that will move you in what can only be described as a love letter to dance, will premiere at The Cube Wodonga on April 8 before touring.

“The show has no narrative,” Zoe said.

“It’s a very energetic and powerful piece that showcases the strength and control of the dancers involved.”

PROJECTion Dance Director Tim Podesta said his dancers and crew were pushing themselves to the maximum for this new performance.

“It is our first season returning to theatre since the lockdowns so we are pushing ourselves,” he said.

Zoe, who undertook her dance training with PROJECTion Dance School, has been performing Podesta’s works since 2018.

Her repertoire highlights include Grande Pas Classique, Paquita, Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker, Cinderella, La Bayadere, Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote.

“Tim has such a vast experience in knowledge, choreographing all around the world, so it’s always a treat to come back here and work with him,” she said.

Claudia, who comes from America, began her ballet training in Arizona at the Yen Li Chen Ballet School before moving to Australia six years ago where she completed her full-time studies at Queensland National Ballet School.

Tickets cost $30 or $25 for members.

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