Image: Gabriella Raetz.
Photography: James Braund.
Gabriella Raetz
Corps de Ballet, The Australian Ballet
Name: Gabriella Raetz
Do you have a nickname? Gabby, Gab, Raetzy
Age: 22
Height: 162cm!
Where do you live? Elwood, Melbourne.
Where were you born? Melbourne.
Best thing about your job:
Performing, travelling overseas, working with inspiring people every day.
Worst thing about your job:
Being away from my home, friends and family for long periods of time, general aches and pains!
Favourite ballet role:
There are so many, but perhaps Giselle, as it was one of my first ballets I ever saw growing up.
Most embarrassing career moment:
When I tripped and fell during a performance of ‘The Cage’, and I couldn’t get back up again. It felt like that moment went on forever!
Favourite food:
Seafood.
Favourite music:
I love the old rock bands of the ’60s and ’70s, but really I enjoy a lot of different music. It depends on my mood.
Favourite ballet move:
Grand jetes across the room!
Growing up, who was your hero?
When I went through my tap-obsessed phase as a young dancer I loved Rhonda Burchmore, but it was Lisa Bolte, a beautiful person and stunning ballerina, whom I really admired and looked up to. I still do in fact!
Tell us about your first ballet concert:
I was about 4yrs old, and living in Broome, Western Australia. I can’t remember it, but I have some pretty funny photos of me on stage with a bright lime costume with my tongue poking out – I think I was very shy and nervous.
Other sports you played / hobbies you had or have still:
I played a lot of netball growing up, as well as tennis and soccer. I also loved swimming and cross-country running at school.
Tell us something we’d never guess about you:
I have a collection of very old vintage aprons from all over the world.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Cereal with fruit and yoghurt, and a strong coffee.
Best advice you’ve been given along the way:
Have fun and just enjoy the journey!
What is your advice to young dancers?
Hold on to your love of dance and movement in general, and everything else will come naturally.
How many pairs of shoes do you go through in one year OR in one performance?
It really depends on the show we’re performing. At the moment I seem to be getting about three performances out of one pair of shoes.