Could you introduce yourself, including a little of your dance history?

Hi, my name is Jerome. I’m originally from Japan, but grew up in Melbourne, where my passion for ballet was born. I started dance lessons at age 6 at a ballet school in Nunawading. There, my love of dance and movement was greatly nurtured and developed until I joined the Victorian State Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program in 2020. I had the privilege of taking part in company performances across the stages of Melbourne until 2021, when I made the decision to finish off my training in Brisbane with Annette Roselli Dance Academy. For the next couple of years, I continued to gain experience and guidance that proved to be instrumental. It was during these years that I had the great fortune of joining BTQ as a soloist. I currently dance at the National Theatre in Belgrade.

Do you have a favourite quote or philosophy about dance?

“I don’t try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.” – Mikhail Baryshnikov

What are four things your experience dancing overseas (or dance in general) has taught you?

• Learning to communicate with people in a foreign country
• Discovering how to navigate and fulfil work and everyday obligations independently
• Learning to adapt to different schedules that change from day to day

What are your favourite memories or reflections from your time at BTQ?

I have many fond memories from my time at BTQ. It was an absolute joy and a privilege to receive coaching from Ms. Clare for my various roles, as well as getting to share the stage with my partners in leading roles, which was an experience I will never forget. Getting to work alongside a live orchestra was a tremendous honour and something that is often taken for granted. But most of all, sharing my love of dance and bringing joy to others.

What surprised you most about dancing professionally or overseas?

For me, the most surprising thing about dancing overseas is working inside of a theatre, as opposed to a standalone ballet company.

What does a typical day look like for you now?

For me, a typical day starts with company ballet at 10:00, followed by rehearsals from 11:30 until 16:00. On show days, we usually only have one or two rehearsals, with the rest of the day free before the performance. I will have performances either at 13:00 or 19:00.

What do you hope current BTQ dancers understand about this chapter of their training?

When it comes to performing at BTQ, the best advice I can give is to recognise how unique it is to have the opportunity to dance ballet like you’re in a professional company… as a student. There aren’t that many youth companies around, and even fewer offer performing opportunities the way BTQ does. From the live orchestra, to the venues, the costumes, and everyone who is involved behind the scenes, very few aspiring dancers get to experience this before becoming professional. Enjoy that you get to be a part of it.

How do you care for your body and mind in this current season of dance?

Since becoming a professional dancer, I’ve realised more and more that it’s very important to have a life outside of the industry. For me, that meant spending more time with my friends between rehearsals, going on walks, and going to the gym. Little things that break up even a single day into different sections, rather than having just one massive day of work, make all the difference once you’re a few years into your career.

What piece of advice would you share about performing with BTQ?

If I could give one piece of advice to current BTQ dancers, it would be to listen. Absorb as much experience as you can from your teachers, because they had careers, and the knowledge you choose to receive from them will prepare you for yours. And always ask questions!

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