From Joondalup to the Stage: Indiana Scott's Ballet Journey
For many aspiring dancers, height can be a dream-crusher. But for Indiana Scott, a 23-year-old from Joondalup, seeing a tall dancer like Polly Hilton perform with the WA Ballet was the inspiration she needed. 'I just saw Polly and thought I can do this as a tall dancer too,' Scott recalls. She joined the company as a young artist in 2023 and was promoted to corps de ballet in 2024.
Scott's career has flourished with the supportive company. 'Since being at WA Ballet, the company is so encouraging of diversity, and I've never felt held back by my height,' she shares. Her recent roles include Lady Capulet in Romeo & Juliet and the creation of the character Katie in Alice Topp's world premiere, Butterfly Effect, in September.
A Magical Role in a Beloved Fairytale
Scott now takes on the magical role of the Fairy Godmother in WA Ballet's upcoming season of Cinderella at His Majesty's Theatre. The production, reimagined by former WA Ballet principal artist Jayne Smeulders in 2011, is set in the 1930s and draws from the Brothers Grimm story.
The cherished ballet features Sergei Prokofiev's iconic score performed live by the WA Philharmonic Orchestra. With set and costume design by Allan Lees and lighting by Jon Buswell, this rendition has become a staple of the WA Ballet repertoire and has been staged internationally.
Scott is thrilled with her casting, drawn to the character's nurturing nature. 'She's kind of like Cinderella's guiding light and basically only comfort in the ballet,' Scott explains. 'It's a story of kindness, that kindness always prevails.'
The Path to a Professional Ballet Career
Scott's journey to the professional stage began with musical theatre before her mother enrolled her in ballet and jazz classes at age 11. 'I was the only girl there who was looking forward to the ballet class,' she recounts. Her talent was evident, leading her from Kingsway Christian College to full-time training at the Samantha Jane School of Ballet in Joondalup.
In 2019, she was accepted into the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. Her four years there were capped with a significant achievement: being awarded the David McAllister Scholarship in 2021, which allowed her to tour with The Australian Ballet.
Cinderella will enchant audiences at His Majesty's Theatre from November 21 to December 14. Tickets are available at waballet.com.au.
