DOMINIC Ballard has always dreamed of joining Paris Opera Ballet.
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Next week is his chance, when the former Albury boy, now 18, auditions for the world’s oldest national ballet company at the historic Palais Garnier.
He has been around dancers all his life, including his mother and sister, but only took up ballet when he was 11 — even though he always knew he wanted to be a dancer.
His teacher, Tim Podesta, said Ballard, as a dancer, “ticked all the right boxes”.
“He has the means of achieving his dreams,” Mr Podesta said.
“From the moment he started dancing, it’s been about preparing for this audition.
“It is as much about the physical and intellectual aspects as it is about the emotional living away from home.
“Making that decision as a 14-year-old is a big ask, but one that Dominic has risen to.”
For the past five years, Ballard has combined long-distance study with dancing for 35 hours a week.
“The passion keeps me focused,” he said.
“I want to be as perfect as I can.
“Ever since I was small, it has been the company I have wanted to join.”
Ballard is about to join the Peter Schaufuss Ballet in London for a season after two months of classes and auditions in Europe this year.
He has already toured Germany and Denmark with the company.
Mr Podesta said a friend, Adam Thurlow, was the only Australian to dance with the Paris Opera Ballet.
“He saw Dominic dance recently and commented how well he is dancing, without knowing he was going to audition,” he said. “Hopefully that’s a good omen.”
Ballard said his idols, Jose Martinez and Manuel Legris, had recently retired from the Paris Opera Ballet.