‘I think that being able to travel to places and perform is like a dream and I don’t think it will ever feel like a “real job” just because I love it so much’
– Alain Juelg
Name?
Alain Juelg
Age?
19
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in both Canberra and Melbourne. I was in Canberra for my earlier years and then when I was 11 moved to Melbourne with my family to attend the Australian Ballet school.
What age did you start dancing?
I first started dancing at age 3 at my mother’s ballet school.
What’s your first memory of dance?
My first memory of dance is from one of the end of year concerts my mum put on for her ballet school. I remember my brother not wanting to go and wanting to just play outside instead but for some reason I wanted to be backstage watching with my mum.
Alain Juelg, courtesy of The Australian Ballet
Favourite ballet/contemporary work?
My favourite ballet would have to be La Bayadere or Don Quixote just because they both look like so much fun to dance in and then my favourite contemporary work would have to be Grand Finale performed by Hofesh Shecter Company.
Favourite dance film/book/podcast?
My favourite dance film is easily Centre Stage, it’s just a classic.
Favourite moment on stage?
My favourite moment on stage so far would have to be the 2019 showcase for the Australian Ballet School. That entire night was the best I have ever felt dancing. I was very stressed leading up to the performance as there were certain things in that show that I struggled with a lot, but everything just seemed to work for me on that night and I was so grateful I could just enjoy the feeling of performing for a huge crowd with so many of my friends. I felt like I was on top of the world.
What repertoire/role do you aspire to perform?
There are so many ballets I would be honoured to perform throughout my career that it’s hard to narrow it down. I would love to perform Solor from La Bayadere, Albrecht from Giselle and the knave from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to name a few.
Who is your dance idol or mentor?
I have a few dance idols, Rudolf Nureyev and Baryshnikov of course, Danill Simkin, Carlos Acosta and Daniel Gaudiello are probably the main ones.
Do you prefer the classical or contemporary repertoire?
I love watching contemporary pieces, but I think I prefer to dance in classical ballets. Its very hard to decide between these two for me.
How have you been keeping busy during lockdown?
I have mainly just been playing guitar in my spare time and trying to get better at certain techniques.
What are you most looking forward to about being back in the studio?
I am most looking forward to feeling like I can breathe when I’m dancing. In classes at home while they have been good for keeping fit I miss just having space and a proper barre.y
What do you think makes TAB such an incredible company to be a part of?
I think TAB is an incredible company because of the people in it. I think the dancers are amazing as are the artistic staff and the longer I am with the company the more I am learning about the roles that other people play in it in terms and admin stuff. I think that being able to travel to places and perform is like a dream and I don’t think it will ever feel like a “real job” just because I love it so much.
What is your biggest aspiration for your career?
My biggest aspiration for my career is to become a principal artist at this company. I want to be the best dancer that I can possibly be, I would also love to dance on stages around the world as well as the ones here in Australia.