Ask Emma Columns

1. Ask Emma: Where did my confidence go?
Published: 24 May 2016
A 19-year-old full-time dance student expresses concerns about losing confidence despite improved technique. Emma advises on mental discipline, trust in training, and the power of positive self-presentation.
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2. Ask Emma: From studio to stage
Published: 27 February 2017
A 15-year-old aspiring ballet dancer seeks advice on translating rehearsal performance to the stage. Emma discusses mental preparation, visualization techniques, and the importance of stage experience.
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3. Ask Emma: Training in Australia vs overseas?
Published: 6 February 2017
A parent inquires about the benefits of dance training in Australia compared to overseas. Emma highlights the strengths of Australian institutions while acknowledging the broader exposure offered abroad.
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4. Ask Emma: What price individuality?
Published: 29 May 2018
A 19-year-old professional ballet dancer questions advice to emulate another dancer. Emma explores balancing individuality with constructive feedback and knowing when to embrace change or move on.
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5. Ask Emma: Dress to Express
Published: 30 July 2018
A 19-year-old pre-professional male ballet dancer feels self-conscious about revealing his body in class. Emma discusses the impact of attire on performance and self-perception in the studio.
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6. Ask Emma: Favouritism in class
Published: 13 November 2018
A concerned parent notices perceived favouritism in their child’s dance class. Emma advises on addressing the issue with teachers and ensuring equitable attention for all students.
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7. Ask Emma: Is ballet too old-fashioned for my child?
Published: 3 December 2019
A parent questions if ballet’s traditional nature suits modern children. Emma outlines the valuable life skills ballet imparts, such as discipline, resilience, and cultural appreciation.
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🟡 Features & Interviews

1. Postcards from Dancers: Emma Sandall in Israel
Published: 12 November 2013
Emma shares her experiences teaching and immersing herself in Gaga classes in Israel, reflecting on the nuances of the movement language and her personal journey.
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2. An Hour with Ohad
Published: 10 February 2014
A travelogue-cum-interview where Emma meets Ohad Naharin, delving into his philosophies and the essence of Batsheva Dance Company’s work.
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3. Girt by Sea
Published: 1 June 2015
Exploring the unique qualities of Australian dancers, Emma investigates how the country’s environment and culture shape its dance identity.
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4. Dancing Proud at the Prix
Published: 1 February 2016
A feature highlighting the achievements of Australian dancers at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, showcasing their talent on the international stage.
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5. A New Force
Published: 1 August 2016
An insight into Danielle Micich’s appointment as Artistic Director of Force Majeure, discussing her vision and the company’s future direction.
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6. The Eternal Appeal of the Pointe Shoe
Published: 19 July 2021
Emma examines the historical significance and contemporary relevance of pointe shoes in ballet, featuring perspectives from various choreographers.
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7. Deviations with Lloyd Newson and DV8
Published: 27 March 2018
A deep dive into Lloyd Newson’s innovative approach with DV8 Physical Theatre, exploring the fusion of dance and social commentary.
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8. Melanie Lane: The Choreographer Behind ‘Death Peak Live’
Published: 27 March 2018
Profiling Melanie Lane’s collaboration with electronic musician Clark, Emma discusses the intersection of choreography and electronic music in their performance.
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9. Ballet Meets Science
Published: 27 March 2018
An exploration of how scientific principles are being integrated into ballet training and performance, enhancing dancers’ understanding of their bodies.
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🟢 Editorials & Essays

1. Reflections on the Mirror
Published: 28 February 2016
Emma examines the role of mirrors in dance training, questioning whether they aid or hinder a dancer’s development and self-perception.
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2. On Being a Ballet Master
Published: 19 September 2017
An insightful interview with Tristan Message, Ballet Master at The Australian Ballet, discussing the responsibilities and nuances of the role.
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3. What Makes a Dancer Musical?
Published: August/September 2017
Emma explores the concept of musicality in dance, highlighting the importance of a dancer’s responsiveness to music and rhythm.
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4. At What Age Should You Leave School to Dance?
Published: 21 November 2017
A discussion on the appropriate age for dancers to transition from academic schooling to full-time dance training, featuring insights from industry professionals.
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5. Escaping the Mirror
Published: October/November 2017
Emma delves into the psychological impact of mirrors in the studio and offers strategies for dancers to develop a healthier self-image.
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6. How to Take Criticism
Published: April/May 2018
An exploration of the art of receiving feedback, with Emma providing advice on how dancers can use criticism constructively to grow.
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7. Ballet Meets Science
Published: 25 February 2019
Emma investigates how scientific principles are being integrated into ballet training, enhancing dancers’ understanding of their bodies and movement.
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8. Mind Your Mind: Returning to the Studio with Confidence
Published: 16 March 2021
A collaborative piece with dance psychologist Gene Moyle, offering strategies for dancers to rebuild confidence when returning to the studio after a break.
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🔴 Reviews

1. New Zealand School of Dance: Graduation Season 2014
Published: 25 November 2013
An invitation to experience the work of young dancers at the New Zealand School of Dance revealed rigorous training and a fresh crop of talented, industry-prepared dancers.
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2. Hofesh Shechter Company: Sun
Published: 14 October 2013
Hofesh Shechter brought his brilliant and completely engrossing Political Mother to the Melbourne Festival in 2011. So the expectations for his new dance piece, Sun, were very high. Immediately noticeable was the strong choreographic fingerprint that marks a work that could only have been created by Shechter.
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3. The Australian Ballet: Chroma
Published: 5 May 2014
Billed as “Mozart meets the White Stripes; classical meets contemporary”, the Australian Ballet’s current triple bill seeks to deliver interesting diversions of the classical vernacular, based around the acquisition of the title work, Chroma, by British choreographer Wayne McGregor.
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4. Strictly Ballroom, the Musical
Published: 12 April 2014
“Life doesn’t have to be Strictly Ballroom,” is Luhrmann’s message. A good and true message. But unlike the movie, which strikes all the right chords, Strictly Ballroom the Musical comes across more like a Mardi Gras romp – too much movement, too much set changing, too much noise.
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5. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui: Milonga
Published: 17 June 2014
Milonga, a new work by acclaimed Flemish/Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, explores the world of tango with ten professional tango dancers from Argentina, two contemporary dancers and five live musicians. On paper, it sounds like it ought to be deep, rich and evocative. Sadly it is not.
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6. Bangarra Dance Theatre: Patyegarang
Published: 17 June 2014
Patyegarang is a gentle work. Its 70 minutes drift by almost as though one is gazing through a filmy gauze of muted tones back to a dream-like, softened version of early Sydney.
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7. Keir Choreographic Award Finals
Published: 21 July 2014
The Keir Choreographic Award is a new national choreography competition dedicated to commissioning new work and promoting innovation in contemporary dance in Australia.
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8. Sydney Dance Company: Louder Than Words
Published: 12 October 2014
Watching Sydney Dance Company dance their latest double bill is like watching the most accomplished actors deliver a dense script in fast forward, and flawlessly so! It is hard to imagine the amount of work the company has done to realise two choreographies both of which demand a level of speed, memory and intricacy.
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9. Sydney Festival: Charleroi Danses – Kiss and Cry
Published: 22 January 2015
Kiss and Cry, from Charleroi Danses Artistic Associate Michèle Anne de Mey and filmmaker Jaco Van Dormael, is a seamless 85-minute dance theatre and live film performance. Rarely does one see a work of this complexity so smoothly, even joyously, delivered.
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10. Sydney Symphony Orchestra & Sydney Dance Company: Elektra
Published: 24 February 2014
As a cathartic experience, the Monday evening performance of Richard Strauss’s Elektra by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra would be difficult to surpass. Such was the emotional tension generated by the waves of sheer orchestral power and a dramatic soprano who is nothing short of a vocal phenomenon.
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Video content:

🎥 Choreograph: Women Choreographers within the Ballet

Produced by Emma Sandall for Dance Australia
In this short video feature, choreographer Alice Topp speaks with Emma Sandall about the unique challenges women face carving out creative authorship within the ballet world. From navigating institutional expectations to developing a personal choreographic voice, the discussion sheds light on what it takes to move from dancer to maker.
Featuring photographs by Kate Longley and Jeff Busby.
📅 Released: April 2021
🖥️ Watch on YouTube →

🎥 Returning to the Studio: Mind Your Mind

Produced by Emma Sandall for Dance Australia
In this video feature, Emma Sandall speaks with sports psychologist Dr Gene Moyle about the often-overlooked psychological aspects of dance training. While dancers are famously disciplined physically, Dr Moyle explores how mental preparation and resilience are equally vital—especially when returning to the studio after time away.

Featuring photography by Tony Phillips (QUT) and intro/outro footage by choreographer Tim Podesta with dancer Mathilda Ballantyne.
📅 Released: March 2021
🖥️ Watch on YouTube →

🎥 Returning to the Studio

Produced by Emma Sandall for Dance Australia
In this reflective short film, Principal Artist Lucy Green speaks candidly with Emma Sandall about the emotional return to stage after the 2020 lockdowns. Just ahead of Queensland Ballet’s Nutcracker season reopening at QPAC, Green recounts the abrupt halt to their 60th Anniversary Gala preparations and the long road back to performance.
Filmed December 4, 2020. Featuring images by David Kelly and footage of “Prelude” with videography by David Power.
📅 Released: December 2020
🖥️ Watch on YouTube →

🎥 Building a Natural Dancer: Ballet Posture – Part 1

Produced and presented by Emma Sandall for Dance Australia
In this insightful interview, Emma Sandall speaks with John Byrne of Classical Dance Australia about foundational ballet posture. Drawing on his decades of teaching and research, Byrne shares key insights from his educational DVDs Posture, Placement and the Basic Elements of Technique and The Art and Anatomy of Port de Bras. A valuable resource for teachers, students, and parents alike.
📅 Released: September 2020
🖥️ Watch on YouTube →