Returning to her pointe shoes after 20 years, local Nicole Kostezky will make her debut in the South West Opera Company’s new production of the Phantom of the Opera coming to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre next month.
The now 50-year-old was just four when she realised she wanted to be a dancer, after her grandmother took her to see the Russian ballet.
With her expert training and teaching ballet, Mrs Kostezky will lead the cast of dances through several complex routines throughout the production.
Mrs Kostezky said she wasn’t going to audition for a role in the production but did after some encouragement from one of her close friends Susanna Maratea.
“I was thinking perhaps I could help out in the background somehow, maybe support the choreographer by running technique and pointe work classes for the dancers. I ended up being offered a role in the production and then I thought if anything could tempt me back on to my pointe shoes it’s the Phantom of the Opera,” she said.
“I jumped at the chance and ever since February I have been working on strengthening exercises, especially foot and ankle work.
“I'm not as fit or flexible as I once was but it's been really fun pushing myself and finding out I can still do more than I expected I'd be able to.”
Before moving to Collie in 2001 and becoming a freelance ballet dance teacher in the South West and performing with Bunbury based Spanish dance company Sol y Sombra she started training in Melbourne at the National Theatre Ballet School.
From there Mrs Kostezky went on to further her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Upon graduating in 1987 she joined Perth-based Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company and since then has been involved in a number of productions.
She joined Perth City Ballet for their UK tour and in 1994 she was offered a position as soloist with Staatheater Bern in Switzerland, under the direction of François Klaus.
She returned to Melbourne in 1997 where she co-directed and performed as a soloist with the Russian dance group, Cherevitchki, before deciding to move away to Collie.
South West Opera Company production manager Tony Martin said he was thrilled to have Mrs Kostezky on board.
“This is her first full length production with SWOC since she joined the company. We are thrilled to have such a talented dancer on the stage. Her guidance and support of the younger dancer’s in the troupe is invaluable,” he said.
The Phantom of the Opera plays over two weekends from October 12 – 20. Tickets are available from www.bunburyentertainment.com or by calling 1300 661 272.
