Dancer Profile - Laura Hartland

Full Name: Laura Hartland

Dance School: Melbourne School of Classical Dance     

Ballet: Vaganova method

When did you start dancing? Age 5

What do you love most about dancing?

I love performing! Dancing is difficult and frustrating at times but being on stage and showing off what you’ve been working on is very rewarding.

Where would you like dancing to take you?

I will soon be joining the Palucca Hochschule für Tanz in Dresden so it is already taking me to Germany, but ultimately I would like to dance professionally in a company in Europe.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement has been auditioning for an international dance school and being accepted.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Some of my biggest challenges have been balancing online schoolwork and full-time dance. It is sometimes hard to find the time and motivation to do schoolwork after a long day of dancing.

Who are your greatest supporters?

My parents and teachers have all been incredibly supportive.

Who do you admire?

Marianela Núñez and Madeleine Eastoe

Favourite genre?

I love both classical ballet and contemporary dance, which is the reason I wanted to continue training at Palucca. They have a Bachelor of Arts program built around three pillars of classical ballet, contemporary dance and improvisation. 

Any injuries? Share a story about an injury and how you overcame it.

Last year, I went to see Highett Podiatry about a sesamoid injury I had been trying to manage for years. They helped me to finally diagnose the problem and I found out my sesamoid bone had died. I had surgery to remove the bone and afterwards, they helped me to develop a rehab program.