Dance Student Spotlight: Sarita Res

My name is Sarita Res and I am almost 12 years old. I dance at Bom Funk Dance Studio in Queanbeyan.

@saribellaballet

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I told my parents I wanted to dance when I was 2.5 years old! I started at Fairy Ballet School for a year or two before joining Vieira Ballet School of Excellence, where I found my passion for dance. During Lockdown 2020, I changed Studios to really focus on my ballet training with Miss Shekiralea and have joined the most wonderful studio with such caring and inspiring teachers and dancers.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

Definitely not! I have had to work hard and keep working hard to improve my turnout, flexibility, and my feet! These are not things that come easily for me and can mean some challenges when I dance. I have found that when I pay close attention to small details and work on things individually, it becomes muscle memory and more easily achievable.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

I think Covid and the 2020-long lockdown were challenging for everyone. For me, this meant moving studios during this difficult time so I could continue my training with my ballet teacher Miss Shekiralea. We did many hours of one-on-one zoom ballet and technique lessons during lockdown from 7 am-9 am before I started my school work. We did this for over 10 weeks and even though it was hard not seeing my school friends or being in the studio, I think this time really helped improve my dancing and technique. I actually started learning a lot of my solos during this time, so even though there were negatives with the lockdown, I see it as a time when I became more independent and confident.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

At this stage, I have been fortunate enough to have very supportive and encouraging teachers and peers.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I just try my best to deal with it and if you know it's not true, it doesn't truly matter.

What is your favorite quote?

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I will keep working hard towards my goals, and I would like to enter and dance in Grand Prix and Eisteddfods, as well as do my best to audition for the Australian Ballet School and QLD Ballet Academy. I successfully auditioned for NSW Youth Ballet Company and cannot wait to train and perform in January 2023 with this amazing company!