George Keene first encountered ballet by watching his sister perform. Attending her shows sparked a deep desire to follow in her footsteps and take to the stage himself. However, it wasn’t until a year later — at the age of six — that he began his formal training, after overcoming the misconception that ballet wasn’t a space for boys. Once he realised that dance welcomes everyone, he asked his mother to sign him up, and so began his journey.
He started at the Primary level with Southern Ballet Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, training under the British Ballet Organization (BBO) syllabus. It wasn’t long before he fell in love with the art form. Embracing every opportunity, he joined the Junior Ballet Company and the Dedicated Dancers Programme, both of which laid a strong foundation for his growth.
A significant milestone came when he was cast as a child extra in the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB)’s production of Sleeping Beauty — a dream come true. Another pivotal moment was preparing for his first competition, the South Island Ballet Awards in 2021, under the guidance of Miss Antoinette. The experience introduced him to dancers beyond his studio and fueled his drive to improve. It was here that he was noticed by judge Garry Trinder and offered a place in the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD) Scholars Programme.
Since then, Keene has been accepted into both the NZSD Associates Programme and the RNZB Mentor Programme, gaining valuable training and exposure to a diverse range of teachers. He has also attended summer and winter intensives with NZSD, the Australian Ballet School, and Queensland Ballet Academy — all of which have helped him refine his technique and reaffirm his ambition.
Deeply committed to a career in ballet, Keene dreams of one day dancing at company level and performing his favourite ballets on the professional stage.
Dance Informa caught up with Keene to talk about his passion for ballet and his recent acceptance into The Royal Ballet School Summer Intensive.
First of all, congratulations! How did it feel when you found out you were accepted into The Royal Ballet School Summer Intensive?
“Being completely honest, my first reaction was pure shock. When I originally submitted my audition for the summer intensive, I didn’t expect much to come from it. So, receiving the acceptance email was a huge surprise — that really showed in my response!
The next emotion was panic, as I realised I hadn’t done much pas de deux before and needed to build more strength before the program began. But once those feelings settled, excitement definitely took over. I’m really looking forward to it, especially now that the dates are getting closer.”
Can you share a bit about when and how you fell in love with ballet? What drew you to it in the first place?
“My first exposure to ballet was through my sister, and she’s the reason I eventually enrolled in classes. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the art form. Each time I watched a performance or stepped on stage myself, my passion and motivation grew. There’s something unique about performing in front of an audience — the language of ballet quickly became addictive. Since I started at six years old, dance classes have remained the highlight of my week.”
What are some of your biggest dreams as a dancer, and how do you see this opportunity at The Royal Ballet School helping you move closer to them?
“My current goals focus on completing my training and auditioning for a company. I’d love to be accepted into a professional school in New Zealand or Australia to support this journey. Ultimately, my dream is to dance with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Being able to perform around the country and in front of a home crowd would be incredibly special.
Beyond that, I also hope to dance internationally. Attending the Royal Ballet School Summer Intensive will help elevate my technique and broaden my perspective. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
What are you most excited to learn or experience during the Summer Intensive in London?
“One thing I’ve never experienced is training in an all-boys class. I think it’ll be really exciting and motivating to be surrounded by others in similar situations who are equally passionate. I’m also looking forward to the pas de deux classes. With so few boys at my home studio, I haven’t had much experience in this area. Learning and improving in pas de deux will definitely be valuable — especially since I can take those lessons home and continue developing.”
Training at a school with such a rich history must be inspiring. Who are some dancers or choreographers you look up to?
“There are quite a few dancers I admire, but one who really stands out is Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson, principal dancer of the RNZB. He’s both an incredible dancer and choreographer, and I always enjoy watching him on stage. I’ve also had the chance to take a few classes with him, which has been both inspiring and helpful.
Another dancer I really look up to is Steven McRae. I came across his story a few years ago, and I think it’s incredibly motivating. Both he and Joshua are major inspirations to me in the world of dance.”
What advice would you give to other young dancers who dream of taking their skills to the next level, especially when it comes to staying motivated and believing in themselves?
“The most important thing is to dance because you love it. There’s no point in performing if there’s no passion behind it. Another thing I’ve learned is not to compare yourself to others. Focus on your own progress and the steps you need to take to improve.
When you constantly compare yourself to others, you limit your own potential. Instead, take the time to reflect on your personal growth, acknowledge your efforts, and stay committed to your own journey.”
George, we wish you all the best with your experience in London!
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Founded in 1975 by Miss Lorraine Peters, Southern Ballet was built up on an outstanding reputation with many students achieving distinction in their careers as dancers, performing in New Zealand and internationally to principal status. The school is affiliated to the British Ballet Organisation, The Royal Academy of Dance and New Zealand Academy of Modern Dance, all of whom demand a high standard of its teachers and students, and whose training syllabi are committed to the achievement of that standard. Southern Ballet offers dance classes to Beginner students (3-5 years), Junior students (5-12 years), Senior students (12 years+) and to Adults. Southern Ballet has its own Ballet and Modern Dance Companies for dedicated students and Pre-Professional Programs for students wishing to take the next step for a career in dance.
To learn more, or enrol in classes, visit www.southernballet.co.nz and @southernballet.
By Renata Ogayar of Dance Informa.
