Major steps forward in a hobby full of steps.
Lily Sinclair and Aleisha Johnson have stepped into the ballet shoes of the former grand dame of the Nelson Academy of Dance.
The duo share around five decades of dance experience between them, including teaching, and the baton was officially passed to them at the end of last year, when Gillian Francis left the stage.
A “grandmother” figure to her successors, Gillian taught them and generations to have pep in their step for nearly half a century.
Lily and Aleisha — who first danced under Gillian when they were in their early teens and aged four respectively — say they are honoured she entrusted them to follow in her footsteps.
For Lily, who is also an early childhood teacher and a New Zealand kickboxing representative, the opportunity is deeply meaningful.
“It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, but have never had the opportunity, because it’s been Gillian’s role,” she says.
“Helping with things like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and refining choreography isn’t usually something you do as a student teacher or even a company teacher until you're much further along, so I’ve really enjoyed that.”
Aleisha, an ophthalmic technician at Nelson Hospital, previously taught dance in Tauranga and is continuing to fulfill a dream she once penned in a Nayland College newspaper article.
“I think it's been at least five years or more that [Gillian has] been like ‘I'm gonna retire’, and that didn't happen, because no one wanted her to leave, obviously because she is great,” Aleisha says.
“Then Lily was already here teaching, and I happened to come back to Nelson last year.
“It’s very exciting [to take over], but we've got a lot to live up to from what Gillian set over the years, and trying to continue that standard of classical ballet, but still kind of in the modern day with our little spin on things.”
Those fresh approaches have already seen the return of contemporary dance classes and the introduction of a mixed junior jazz class.
Their younger presence has also resonated, reflected in a rush of preschoolers eager to find their feet in dance.
Eventually, Lily and Aleisha hope to choreograph a full-time Top of the South dance school for students serious about the art form.
Their first cohort of students under their leadership will soon take to the Theatre Royal stage for a winter showcase titled Dance Suite — a celebration of artistry featuring a range of genres, from the raw athleticism of contemporary dance to the ethereal beauty of classical ballet.
The performance will be held on June 13, with shows at 1:30pm and 7pm.
For more information, visit: www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/event/dance-suite.
