Born: 1989 (Dubbo, New South Wales)
Biography:
Ella Havelka, born in 1989, is an Australian ballet dancer and the first Indigenous person to join The Australian Ballet. She was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, and is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people. Raised by a single mother, Havelka’s journey in ballet began after she watched a video of Swan Lake and was immediately captivated by the art form. She started taking ballet lessons at a local studio and discovered her passion for dance.
At the age of 15, Havelka and her mother made the decision to move to Melbourne, where she could receive formal training at the renowned Australian Ballet School. In 2007, she successfully graduated from the school, equipped with exceptional technique and a determination to pursue a professional ballet career.
However, after completing her training at the Australian Ballet School, Havelka faced a disappointing setback. She was not offered a place with The Australian Ballet, the company she had dreamed of joining. Undeterred, she remained committed to her artistry and found an opportunity to showcase her talent elsewhere.
In 2009, Havelka joined Bangarra Dance Theatre, an Indigenous Australian contemporary dance company. She made her debut with the production Fire – A Retrospective and continued to perform in the company’s other productions. This experience allowed her to explore her Indigenous heritage through dance and brought her great fulfillment as an artist.
In 2012, Havelka had a significant milestone in her career when she danced Stephen Page’s Warumuk – in the dark night, a collaboration between Bangarra and The Australian Ballet. This special performance was dedicated to honoring The Australian Ballet’s 50th anniversary. As her talent and dedication shone bright, Havelka caught the attention of The Australian Ballet’s artistic director, David McAllister.
The following year, in 2013, Havelka received a life-changing invitation to join The Australian Ballet. By accepting this offer, she made history as the first indigenous person to become a member of the prestigious company. This milestone not only symbolized her personal achievements but also represented a significant step toward greater inclusivity and diversity in the world of ballet.
In 2019, Havelka returned to Bangarra as a guest artist to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary. This collaboration further highlighted her versatility and showcased her commitment to exploring different aspects of dance.
Havelka’s remarkable journey as a ballet dancer was documented in the film Ella, which premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2016. The film offered an intimate glimpse into her life, struggles, and ultimate triumphs, inspiring many with her resilience and determination.
Beyond her dance career, Havelka is a multifaceted artist. She has honed her skills in weaving, creating Aboriginal woven baskets, and raising funds for Oxfam Australia. Additionally, she crafts jewelry and linocuts, showcasing her creativity in various art forms.
Awards:
– Deadly Award Dancer of the Year (2013): Havelka received this prestigious award in recognition of her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of dance.
– Women of Style Award (2017): This award honored Havelka’s unique sense of style and her influence as a role model for aspiring dancers and Indigenous artists.
Ella Havelka’s journey as a ballet dancer and her groundbreaking achievements have not only made an indelible mark in the world of dance but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring dancers, Indigenous communities, and women everywhere. She has opened doors for future generations and continues to use her platform to promote diversity and representation in the arts.