Image: Brett Chynoweth in The Australian Ballet School Nutcracker, 2003.
Photo Jim Hooper, courtesy The Australian Ballet School.
Brett Chynoweth
Corps de Ballet, The Australian Ballet
Name: Brett Chynoweth
Age: 18
Height: 173cm
Where do you live? Mount Waverley
Where were you born? Melbourne - I’m a Melbourne boy all the way!
What's the best thing about your job?
The travel. We get to go to the cities around Australia and the world performing different ballets on different stages it’s very exciting.
What's the worst thing about your job?
We’re a very busy company, working 12 months of the year so there’s not much time off which can be very tiring.
Favourite Ballet role?
Romeo from Romeo and Juliet
Most embarrassing career moment?
When I was a student at The Australian Ballet School, we did the production of Sleeping Beauty Act III one year and I was a Paige boy. We had to stand still for about half an hour and when it got up to the princess’ solo I fainted. I still remember crawling into the wings.
Favourite food?
Chocolate! Although I can’t have it too often. I must admit I’m a sweet tooth, but I also love pasta dishes.
Favourite music?
I’ll listen to most music but I love indie rock, it’s easy listening.
Favourite ballet move?
Anything to do with jumps! I love the feeling of flying through the air.
Growing up, who was your hero?
I don’t know that there was just one. I admired multi-talented people, people with intelligence and humility.
What was your first ballet concert?
My first concert was in December and I was part of the Christmas medley! I think I was Rudolf the red nosed reindeer because I was the only boy in my ballet school!
What other sports you played?
I liked athletics and swimming, I guess I just liked to move around a lot.
What is something we'd never guess about you?
I’m a bit obsessive! Not only do I love ballet but also books, films, magazines and coffee, lots of coffee.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
I almost always have my 5 Weet Bix and some toast with Vegemite!
Best advice you’ve been given along the way?
Take in as much information as you can and experience as much as possible. That way you don’t regret missing out on anything.
What is your advice to young dancers?
I think the most important thing is that you’re having fun. Make sure you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s easier then too!
How many pairs of shoes do you go through in one year OR in one performance?
I’m not really sure, quite a lot I guess because as soon as I get even the slightest holes in my shoes I throw them out.