Local dancer earns spot at Canada's top ballet school

August 31, 2006
The Sudbury Star
By Laura Stradiotto

Hillary Vivian-Dufour is dancing on cloud nine.

With mixed emotions, she leaves her mom and little sister Friday to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School for one year.

"I'm a little nervous but happy at same time," said the 11-year-old.

Hillary got a taste of the prestigious school in July, when she participated in a summer program.

She spend her days practicing ballet, doing creative movements, studying dance history and taking art lessons.

Students were given points if they are something from the major food groups.

"They taught us about our health and what we're supposed to eat," she said.

Instructors were so impressed with the young dancer they offered her a scholarship, worth about $12,000.

Classes begin in September  and end in mid-June. At the end of the school year, students learn if they are invited back in the fall.

The program includes daily dance classes combined with an academic program. Students are trained in classical ballet with a focus on pointe, pas de deux, variations, repertoire, historical dance, character, improvisation, jazz, modern, creative movement, music and art.

It was a tough decision to make, said Hillary, a student at Happiness Is Dancing in Sudbury.

When she last spoke to The Star in early July, the ballerina said she would miss her family if she were to stay.

"After the summer classes were over, I got better on balancing and stronger," said the bright-eyed dancer.

"I thought if I stayed there for one year, I could get better and one day teach at Happiness Is Dancing."

"It's a big thing to leave your family," said Laura Boyle, Hillary's ballet instructor at Happiness Is Dancing.

While other students have auditioned and been accepted for summer programs away from home, many can't bring themselves to leave, said Boyle.

"She's determined, very energetic and outgoing.

"She motivates everyone around her with her positive energy," added Lori Cacciotti, director of Happiness Is Dancing.

"This is an inspiration to others at the studio. When they put in so many hours at the studio, they see there's a light at the end of the tunnel."

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