Q&A with our newest dancers

We are delighted to welcome six new dancers to the RNZB this year. Four graduates from the New Zealand School of Dance have joined as Scholars for 2025. Olivia, Hilary, and Angus all seconded with the Company during their training, gaining invaluable stage experience in RNZB productions. Joshua, after a year as a Jette Parker Young Artist at Queensland Ballet, has returned home to New Zealand, having previously performed with the RNZB during our 70th Anniversary celebrations.

Joining us as full-time Artists are Emma and Jordan, recent graduates of The Australian Ballet School.

You may have already seen our newest dancers on stage last weekend in Wellington, where they performed in the celebratory finale of the RNZB and Scottish Ballet collaboration.

Get to know each of them better through the interviews below and explore their full bios on our website.

Olivia Platt middle Courtier | Swan Lake, 2024. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Olivia Platt (Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi) – Todd Scholar

What are you most excited about in the upcoming seasons this year and why?

I am most excited for The Nutcracker. It was the first ballet I ever watched as a child and was the ballet that inspired me to become a professional dancer. It is exciting to be performing it in my first year as a professional!

As a student at the New Zealand School of Dance you seconded with the RNZB. Can you tell us what that experience was like?

In 2023 I seconded with the RNZB for Lightscapes and in 2024 for Swan Lake. This was a really special experience as it gave me a unique insight into life as a professional dancer. It also contributed significantly to my development as a dancer, as the environment was a great way to challenge myself. I learnt so much about dance and about myself. As a steppingstone into my career as a professional dancer the secondments made the transition into the company quite seamless.

Hilary An-Roddie front right | Serenade, 2023. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Hilary An-Roddie – RNZB Foundation Scholar

What made you want to join the Royal New Zealand Ballet?

As a student at NZSD I seconded with RNZB – it was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Working alongside the wonderful dancers and artistic staff, dancing in the beautiful studios, and performing on stages across New Zealand was an incredible opportunity. The RNZB has a strong reputation for producing high-calibre performances, and witnessing their teamwork and dedication behind the scenes was just as inspiring. Everyone was so encouraging, friendly, and united in striving toward the same goal. I felt a deep connection to this company and could see myself growing both as a dancer and as a person here.

What are your interests outside of the ballet studio?

I love spending time with my family and friends, going on hikes, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and playing card and board games (I am competitive even when I’m losing terribly). Learning new things excites me—for example, I recently picked up the piano again after learning it as a child, having forget most of it! I also love reading about human behaviour and neuroscience, especially how they relate to ballet.

Angus O’Connell right Rustic | A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2024. Photo Credit: Stephen A’Court.

Angus O’Connell – Friedlander Foundation Scholar

What are you most excited about in the upcoming seasons this year and why?

I am most excited about performing in Ty King-Wall’s new production of The Nutcracker at the end of the year. It’s a ballet I have watched from a young age so I’m really looking forward to performing it professionally.

Also, when I was 14 years old I danced the role of the Rat King in Southern Ballet’s Nutcracker. It was such a fun role to perform!

What are you interests outside of the ballet studio?

Outside of the ballet studio I enjoy a number of sports. I play golf most weeks and watch rugby, basketball, and tennis as much as I can. I also love reading, listening to music and doing outdoorsy things like camping, fishing, and tramping.

Joshua Douglas in NZSD’s Aria | Platinum, 2023. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Joshua Douglas – Friedlander Foundation Scholar

When did you start dancing?

I began dancing at the age of 7, starting with hip hop, which instilled in me a love for rhythm and self-expression. As I grew older, I expanded my repertoire by exploring jazz and contemporary dance, each adding new dimensions to my movement and style. At 12, I took up ballet after being advised to improve my jazz technique, and today I’m proud to call myself a professional ballet dancer!

What are you interests outside of the ballet studio?

I definitely love a bit of baking and cooking – I really enjoy finding different recipes and ideas! I also enjoy lying on the couch watching a good tv show or movie while crocheting.

Emma Galvin in Balanchine Allegro Brillante

Emma Gavan – RNZB Artist

In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

To me ballet is comforting, inspiring and an outlet for emotions. Ballet is something that allows me to learn more about myself.

One thing most people don’t know about you?

Something that people don’t know about me is that I have three siblings who are also ballet dancers! My parents took me to dance classes aged 4, because I was a bit shy and loved to move. I spent so much time at the studio that my older brother decided to join, and gradually so did my younger brother and sister. We all ended up doing ballet as we all really enjoyed the technical aspect of it.

Now my older brother dances with The Australian Ballet, my younger brother is training at The Australian Ballet School and my sister is dancing at a ballet school in Melbourne and aiming to continue her training.

Jordan Sawtell in The Way Alone | Tutus on Tour, 2025. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Jordan Sawtell – RNZB Artist

What’s your ritual before any performance?

I don’t really have any rituals; I just like to stay cool calm and collected! That might mean running through what I am performing once or twice before the performance so that I feel confident.

Have you been to New Zealand before?

I had not been to New Zealand before, so I am excited to explore the country when the Company is on tour.

The last few weeks I have been performing in Tutus on Tour. As my first season it has given me an insight into how this company works, whilst also getting to know other dancers a bit better. Tutus has also given me the opportunity to start exploring New Zealand, including visiting the beautiful Bay of Islands.