Haileybury ballet dancer clinches Europe development opportunity

Pia Cincotta (Year 6) will join some of the best ballet dancers around the globe to take part in world-leading masterclasses in Europe.

Pia, who dances at Melbourne Academy of the Arts and was most recently an impressive performer at the prestigious Australian Classical Grand Prix, will head to the world’s best ballet schools in Paris, Milan and London on her Europe trip.

Following the cool experience which is set to go for about three weeks, Pia will return to Australia where she will compete in Australia’s premier ballet contest, the Australian Classical Grand Prix, in Sydney.

Pia's journey in ballet started when she was two-and-a-half.

“I always walked around on my toes as a toddler so Mum thought I might enjoy ballet,” Pia said.

“I love everything about it – the music, wearing a tutu, the hard work and performing on stage. I also love going to the ballet to watch my favourite ballerinas perform.

“They are so inspiring and make me want to keep training so I can be better each day.”

Another notable achievement for Pia was when she reached the finals of the Asian Grand Prix last year which took her to Bangkok.

Pia said her greatest feat in her seven-year ballet journey so far would have to be her acceptance into ballet’s best schools located in Europe.

“It’s been my dream to train there,” she said.

Pia’s proud mother, Mariangela Cincotta, says her daughter’s love for ballet and her commitment to her art is unstoppable.

“She never complains and always looks forward to her classes. There’s no holding her back,” Mariangela said.

“When she isn’t dancing or in the classroom, Pia is like any other happy, healthy nine-year-old.”

In balancing her schoolwork and aspirations of being a professional ballerina one day, Pia was remained efficient with her time.

“I make a start on my homework on Sunday and try to finish most of it on Monday night – that’s my study night because it’s the only night I don’t have ballet training. I also use the time travelling to and from ballet in the car to finish off schoolwork,” she said.

Outside of ballet, Pia enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

“Ballet takes up a lot of my time but when I’m not dancing, I like to catch up with my friends, have sleepovers, watch movies, go bike riding or shopping with my Mum and spend time with my family,” she said.