Let me take you back to the last week of January, The Australian Ballet’s first week returning from our summer break.  I’m in Studio 6 of our headquarters in Southbank, Melbourne, staring out the window.  My attention probably should have been with the rehearsal I was in the middle of, but I couldn’t help noticing the scattering of butterflies drifting past.  Now I’m not really one for portents, and I wouldn’t say I’m an avid butterfly watcher either, but given the rehearsal at the time was for Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly, their impromptu cameo at the window seemed somehow appropriate.

Skip forward a month, and we’re on the verge of opening Madame Butterfly at Melbourne’s State Theatre, our first production for the 2011 season.  I’m fortunate enough to be one of the dancers cast as Lieutenant Pinkerton, the American naval officer who marries a Japanese geisha, Cio-Cio San, despite being already betrothed to his American sweetheart back home.  The ballet contains a pas de deux which is as difficult as it is beautiful, and is the most challenging I’ve encountered.  It has every lift in the book, and when you’re not lifting, you’re jumping!  Luckily, my partner is Miwako Kubota, a ballerina who’s a perfect choice as Cio-Cio San, and has made my job less daunting!
The story of Madame Butterfly is an emotional one.  The test for me has been to make Pinkerton a sympathetic character for the audience, because the way he takes advantage of and exploits Cio-Cio San is almost unforgivable.  To me, though, he is acting out of ignorance rather than malice.  His guilt, and his remorse for his earlier actions is real and clear as the ballet reaches its conclusion.  I’m hoping he doesn’t receive boos during the curtain call, though perhaps he deserves them!

It has been invaluable having Damien Welch involved in the rehearsal process: being the original Pinkerton, he knows the role intimately.  Rachel Rawlins and Robert Curran, who will play Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton on opening night, have been nothing short of astonishing in their portrayal, and have absolutely set the benchmark high.  But between all the casts, I’ve felt a real sense of mutual encouragement and support, which I think has motivated all of us and pushed us to bring out the best in one another.  It has definitely given me a lift going into the performances.

So with my first show fast approaching, and the obligatory nerves already setting in, it’s time for me to sign off.  Before I do though, this is an opportunity for me to pass on the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award baton, so to speak, to Karen, Robyn, Brett, Cheng, Luke and Rudy, the 2011 nominees.  Congratulations guys: stay open, honest and be yourselves, that’s why you were chosen!  Enjoy the ride!  I’d also like to take this opportunity to send my thoughts and condolences to all of those affected by the Christchurch earthquake.  I hope the recovery efforts can bring you some respite soon.

Kia kaha, stay strong,

Ty.