Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

A Riverland dancer has been recently accepted into one of Australia’s most prestigious youth ballet companies, marking the next step in her dream to become a prima ballerina.

Seven-year-old Portia Woolston — of Winkie — received the news of her acceptance into the Brisbane City Youth Ballet Company (BCYB) last week, with the Rosie Clark Dance Studio ballerina now preparing to make her debut in five 2025 Christmas and New Year performances of The Nutcracker.

“I am a bit nervous, but I am very excited to dance on stage,” Portia told The Murray Pioneer.

“I am always dancing and singing.”

Beginning dance class when she was two, Portia dances three nights a week at her Berri dance studio, learning the styles of ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, hip-hop and acrobatics.

Though Portia said she loves all types of dance, ballet was, and has always been, her favourite.

“I like that (the music) is nice and quiet,” she said.

“You have to balance (a lot), and you wear tutus — it’s very pretty.”

“I like leaps, turns, and expressing myself through the music.”

Founded in 2004, BCYB provides aspiring young dancers with performance opportunities and coaching, with the company performing twice a year in theatres such as the Brisbane Powerhouse, Griffith University’s Conservatorium Theatre, and the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts.

With between only 50 and 80 young dancers selected from the auditions, Rosie Clark Dance Studio principal Natalie Woolston said she was “beyond proud” of her daughter’s achievement and acceptance into the company.

“It’s all very exciting and very magical,” she said.

“We sent in a recorded audition and really didn’t expect anything, until we got the call to let us know Portia had been selected.”

“We are just over the moon, because there aren’t opportunities like this available for dancers below the age of 10 in South Australia. Any exposure if you’re looking for such opportunities is vital.”

“She is a beautiful dancer, and shows you can do anything if you set your mind to it and work hard — it’s just amazing, and we’re so proud.”

Offering a wide dance syllabus to those in the Riverland of all ages for more than 30 years, Ms Woolston said the studio “has always felt passionate about making quality dance training available to everyone”.

“We offer classes from ages two to adults, with our oldest members in their 70s,” she said.

“We also offer classes in all styles, dance exams, fun classes, and exercise classes, and host an all-school dance concert each year, with the 2025 performance coming up this term.”

“Dance is great for fitness, but it also teaches commitment and discipline, helps on memory, wellbeing and mental health, and is a great social activity where you can express yourself.”

“There are many benefits that dance can bring, it’s beautiful thing to have in your life.”

For more information on Rosie Clark Dance Studio, visit the website (www.rosieclarkdance.com.au/), or contact 0439 890 417.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 6 August 2025.