Sportlight: Ballet.
Billie wants to shine the ‘sportlight’ on the incredible sportswomen - of all levels and disciplines - that we have around Aotearoa.
We hope that by sharing the love these amazing wahine have for their sports, you might be able to discover a love for them yourself.
This week we chat to ballerina and owner of Chameleon Studios, Rebecca Wyatt!
How did you get involved in ballet?
When I was 4, my mum noticed me trying to copy aerobics routines on TV and dancing around to ads! She signed me up for ballet classes and I have loved it ever since.
How many years have you been involved?
I have trained formally for 20 years, and now teach in my own studio, Chameleon!
What made you want to keep pursuing it?
Dance, and ballet in particular, teaches you so many lessons and skills that you can apply to other areas of your life so it is something that compliments everything else I do, making it worth keeping going. You never stop learning and progressing!
How accessible is ballet in New Zealand?
Ballet is very accessible, especially for children. At a more competitive, elite level the opportunities are limited compared to overseas, but if you are looking to dance for fun, there are plenty of studios around.
What kind of costs are involved in taking part?
Another reason ballet is so accessible is that it doesn't require much equipment! You just need yourself, and a good quality pair of dance shoes to support your feet. Most studios also have a uniform to wear and require you to book in for a set number of weeks at a time.
What kind of equipment is needed to take part?
Dance shoes are the most important for safety and support when balancing, changing direction etc. Ballerina’s also wear leotards, skirts and tights so that you can move easily without having to adjust what you are wearing. We put our hair in a bun for the same reason, then we are ready to go!
What’s the most enjoyable part for you?
I love that there is no point where you ‘master’ ballet, so you are constantly improving and reaching towards the next goal. There are also so many things to think about and multitask when you are dancing so it is the perfect way to switch off from everything else, while staying active and social.
What is the community like in ballet?
Ballet is a very individual sport and during class you need to be focused so it can be challenging to build a sense of community, but if you find the right class for you it can be such a fun time! You will bond over moments where you are all feeling the same burn in your legs, confusion over a routine or collectively have an ‘aha’ moment. When an exam or stage performance is approaching it is also so much fun to support each other and go through the nerves and rush of excitement together.
What kind of skills do you learn (i.e ball handling, flexibility)?
The skills you learn in dance are almost endless! Physically you develop strength, flexibility, balance and agility as you change direction and dash from step to step. Creative skills when choreographing and understanding patterns are challenged, and you gain a deeper understanding and awareness of music as you have to count the music and match your movements to the mood and the rhythms of the song. Skills in mental fitness such as discipline and patience are also a huge part of ballet as there is so much detail in each movement and position that nothing will come easy to you right away.
What do you love the most about it?
The many benefits that come with dance are a huge part of why I love it. I think it’s the ultimate mix of physical demand, mental challenge, artistry, and fun! When you start to feel yourself improve on things and ‘nail it’ it is the best feeling.
What’s the hardest part of ballet?
If you are in it for the long run, you often need to sacrifice a lot of your social time, and sometimes other commitments. ‘Sorry I can’t, I have dance’ becomes a common phrase you find yourself telling others, especially when it gets close to performances where rehearsals run later and extra practises are squeezed in.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I am proud of the many dance exams I have achieved with great results, and receiving awards for being top of my class or studio overall. While dance is ultimately about your own progress, it is nice to have a little competitive element and be recognised for the hard work you put in. I also took over the studio I grew up in from my ballet teacher which is a huge honour for me. I have the dream job running my own studio and moving and dancing all day!
How do you think ballet helps you gain important life skills?
Dance can teach you a lot about attention to detail and self-discipline. If you really want to be good at a certain step, you need to repeat it over and over while paying attention to the tiniest of details and put the work in. There is always a challenging movement to work on and as you practise it you have to also practise patience, self-acceptance and perseverance. I think this can be applied to many areas of life and helps you develop a work ethic of not just doing things, but doing them as well as you can and working towards high standards.
How would you like to see your sport evolve?
I would love dance, particularly ballet, to grow a deeper sense of community and develop a reputation of being open to anyone. There are misconceptions about ballet being too strict and dancers needing to be flexible, thin, or young to be able to take part and it is just not true! I would also hope to see more opportunities for teenagers and adults to take up ballet. Most people think that it is too late to learn ballet when you are a teen or adult, but you can certainly start at any age.
Who is your biggest inspiration in your sport?
There are plenty of amazing dancers that I marvel at, but one that stands out is Maria Khovera. She is a Russian dancer that shares beautiful videos on instagram, as well as insights behind the scenes of her training process. Her dancing is stunning but you can see how much work she puts in and that she just loves what she does.
What goals do you have for your next sporting season?
Since I have started teaching and managing my studio, it has been extremely challenging to attend classes for myself! My goal is to simply find a weekly class that suits my new schedule and allows me to keep my own training up.
Why should young girls get involved in ballet?
It equips you with so many different skills that will stay with you for life! It’s a very artistic sport so you get the best of both worlds staying active, while feeling creative. It’s a great way for young girls in particular to boost self-confidence and mental health.
If someone was interested in trying ballet, how should they go about it?
It is likely there are plenty of classes around so just google studios around your area and give a class a go! Most studios offer multiple dance styles so you can find a type (or two!) that suits you best.
Describe your sport in three words.
Athletic, artistic, exhilarating.
