“Bringing in leaders like Kelley Abbey is crucial for our young artists at Transit. Their invaluable expertise and guidance mould and shape our students, propelling them towards excellence in their artistic journeys,”
Kelley Abbey is a highly accomplished creative director, choreographer, and performer in film, TV, and musical theatre. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has garnered numerous accolades and awards. Her credits include lead roles in prestigious musical theatre productions, winning Green Room, Mo, Variety Heart, and Helpmann awards. Abbey's impressive portfolio as a creative director and choreographer includes renowned productions such as Salome for Opera Australia, Fame - The Musical, Grease: the Arena Spectacular, and The Boy from Oz, for which she received a Helpmann Award for Best Choreography. She has also worked as a choreographer and guest judge on popular shows like So You Think You Can Dance and has lent her talents to film productions such as In Her Skin and Happy Feet. In 2014, Abbey joined the creative team of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom as a resident director.
"Bringing in leaders like Kelly Abbey is crucial for our young artists at Transit. Their invaluable expertise and guidance mould and shape our students, propelling them towards excellence in their artistic journeys," expresses Malek. The impact of Abbey's presence on the students has been indelible, instilling a renewed belief in their abilities and inspiring them to reach for greatness.
Abbey's anticipated visit commenced with an explosion of energy as she introduced the students to intricate choreographic techniques on the first day. Drawing upon her vast experience in various performing arts arenas, including theatre, opera, and musical productions, Abbey guided the students towards discovering the depths of their artistic capabilities. The studio became a vibrant hub of creativity as each student embraced their individual style under Abbey's expert mentorship.
However, it wasn't just the students who benefited from Abbey's visit. Course Coordinator Jillian Green, herself an instructor, notes, "As an instructor, being able to witness Kelly's teaching methods and artistic approach was incredibly inspiring. I learned new techniques and insights that I can incorporate into my own teaching, enhancing my ability to nurture the talents of our students. It was a learning experience for me as well."
The second day of the masterclass centred around mock auditions, generating palpable excitement among the students. Abbey unravelled the mysteries of audition success, providing invaluable insights into how to best showcase talents in auditions. Through her remarkable ability to analyse performances, she offered constructive feedback, enabling the students to refine their skills, identify strengths, and work on areas that required improvement.
Abbey's lectures delved into the realities of the professional performing arts industry, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in the field. Drawing from personal experiences, she shared stories of resilience and professionalism, inspiring the students to persistently chase their dreams. Her words resonated deeply with the students, profoundly impacting their perspectives on their artistic journeys.
The impact of Abbey's masterclass extended beyond mere skill enhancement. The students experienced a transformative shift in their passion for the performing arts, reigniting their artistic spirits and infusing them with a renewed sense of purpose. Abbey's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication served as a beacon of hope for those yearning for a career on the stage.
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