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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Young Dancers Take Center Stage in 'Anastasia' Musical

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Ten-year-old Aria Piteo will make her professional theater debut playing the role of Little Anastasia in Adelaide.
  • Piteo is one of four girls from the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre selected for the part, highlighting their shared training and bond.
  • The young performers are preparing for the demanding role, balancing their excitement with nerves and drawing strength from their supportive friendships.

Aria Piteo, a 10-year-old dancer from Adelaide, is set to embark on her professional theater journey, landing a significant role in the upcoming production of the musical Anastasia. She is among four talented young performers chosen from the Norwood-based Barbara Jayne Dance Centre to portray the character of Little Anastasia.

I do love it, but I also get really nervous and I'm like, 'You can do it Ari, yes, you can do it,'

— Aria PiteoThe 10-year-old actress describes her feelings about performing.

Piteo expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness about her debut. "I do love it, but I also get really nervous and I'm like, 'You can do it Ari, yes, you can do it,'" she shared, reflecting the common anxieties of young performers. She finds joy in expressing herself and showcasing her abilities on stage. Fellow castmate Audrey Burnett, 11, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the nerves but emphasizing self-belief: "I definitely think I'll get nervous, but I'll also be like, 'It's okay you got this, you got chosen for a reason.'"

The rigorous audition process involved three rounds, with dozens of hopefuls competing for the coveted roles. Daisy Goodall, 10, admitted surprise at securing a spot, stating, "I didn't think I was going to get it because there were so many good people." The quartet's strong bond has been a crucial support system throughout the demanding auditions. "They're just like family to me, they're like my bestest friends," Burnett said, highlighting the mutual encouragement that helps them stay calm amidst the pressure.

I definitely think I'll get nervous, but I'll also be like, 'It's okay you got this, you got chosen for a reason,'

— Audrey BurnettThe 11-year-old performer shares her approach to managing performance anxiety.

Barbara Komazec, who has directed the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre for 51 years, emphasized the multifaceted skills required for a career in performing arts. Beyond talent in singing, dancing, and acting, she stressed the importance of resilience. "They've got to have some talent, they've got to have resilience because they get the knocks all the time," Komazec advised. "They've got to be able to get knocked back and then get back up and try again."

I didn't think I was going to get it because there were so many good people,

— Daisy GoodallThe 10-year-old expresses her surprise at being cast in the musical.

Isla Bahrami, the youngest of the group at nine years old, described her reaction to getting the call as a mixture of excitement and shock. She is particularly looking forward to performing a song with Australian theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM, who plays the Dowager Empress. Komazec believes the experience will be invaluable, stating, "They will learn so much, they really will," referring to the professional guidance they will receive from the musical director, choreographer, and director.

They're just like family to me, they're like my bestest friends,

— Audrey BurnettBurnett describes the close bond she shares with her fellow cast members.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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