An 18-year-old ballet dancer from Santa Clarita traveled to Toronto, Canada to compete at the Genée International Ballet Competition last month.

Photo courtesy of The Royal Academy of Dance

Gianna Juliet trained and learned alongside her competitors at the Genée International Ballet Competition, which is described by officials as being equivalent to the Olympics in the world of ballet.

Juliet prepared for the competition under the guidance of Santa Clarita Ballet (SCB) faculty Danica Primo and Tawny Gentry Clement, studying ballet through curriculum provided by The Royal Academy of Dance, one of the world’s most influential dance education organizations.

During the semifinals, all competitors performed two routines: a choice of one classical routine and an original choreography piece.

On the second day of the semi-finals, the competitors performed their second variations, which for Juliet, was an original choreography routine by Gentry.

Related: Santa Clarita Ballerina Prepares For Genée International Ballet Competition

“It describes my journey through dance and even the Genée,” Juliet said. “It starts out with having a goal and the happiness that dance brings me, it transitions to having the rough patches and heartache, and then the end it is accomplishment. It is very reflective of my experience. I’ve learned lessons, I’ve gained knowledge, I’ve achieved my goals.”

Although Juliet ultimately did not make it to the finals, she noted she still feels accomplished to have been able to participate in the Genée International Ballet Competition. She said she is grateful to have had the experience to be able to learn from, and alongside, some of the “best up-and-coming ballet dancers in the world.”

“The whole thing of working with others was just amazing,” Juliet said. “The biggest thing for me was the mindset they all had. They knew what they needed to do for a competition setting, so I learned from watching them.”

Juliet stated that one of her favorite parts of the competition was the quality of sportsmanship and camaraderie that she and the other dancers experienced during the Genée International Ballet Competition. 

“I learned that you can be in a competitive situation, but still make friends and be supportive,” Juliet said. “It feels good because you have other people to rely on and you’re all in the same boat.” 

One aspect of the trip that she especially enjoyed was watching the National Canadian Ballet perform a William Forsythe program. The Genée competitors were then able to go backstage and meet the performers.

Photo courtesy of the Royal Academy of Dance.

“They congratulated all of us, and you are just starstruck,” Juliet said. “They are icons in the world of ballet. Those are our celebrities.”

Although she was unable to spend much time sightseeing, Juliet made sure to gather souvenirs from her time in Toronto, including maple syrup and a hoodie.

Julet received recognition from the Santa Clarita Arts Commission on Sept. 12 for her “success in keeping the performing arts alive and bringing attention to the arts in Santa Clarita,” according to officials. 

“What I found important is that ballet and the arts in general aren’t really appreciated,” Juliet said. “A lot of people have that stigma that it is so boring, just thinking of little girls in a tutu. But the movement, the expression when they dance, can cross any barrier. When people are exposed to (ballet), they have a bigger appreciation for it, and they want to support it.”

One of Juliet’s goals is to increase popular exposure of ballet to the public, especially considering the benefits that she believes ballet and other arts can offer, particularly to developing minds.

“You learn discipline, coordination, how to work with others — you learn so much even if you don’t do it yourself, even just to appreciate it,” Juliet said. “I can’t paint, I can’t draw, but I can look at a painting, and if it is beautiful, it can speak to you. I think a lot of our community can learn from that, not only how to appreciate (ballet), but that it is hard work.”

Juliet’s ultimate goal is to join a professional ballet company. She plans to audition for apprenticeship positions and second company positions, which is similar to a graduate program in academia. She said she is going to spend much of her time auditioning for those positions, with about 20 to 30 ballet companies on her list of possible employers.

“Wherever I end up, I just want to dance and be happy,” Juliet said. “As long as I have the support I need, I’ll be happy.”

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