Dance has always been a part of life for Christian Francisco – and at just 15 years old, he’s already on the big stage.
The Caroline Chisholm Catholic College year 10 student is performing as a lead dancer in Opera Australia’s production of Carmen, beating dozens of other dance students from across the state for the role.
It’s an achievement that has been years in the making.
“I started dancing in 2010 when I was eight,” he said. “My cousins danced, so it was in the family … I tried it out and had a bit of a knack for it. I mainly do hip-hop and break-dancing. When the chance to audition for
Carmen came around, it meant a lot to be invited along.
“I haven’t had an opportunity like this before so it was pretty special.”
Christian attends K-Star Studios in Ravenhall and is studying VET music.
Christian is one of four Melbourne-based lead dancers for the opera, which is on at the Arts Centre.
“There’s been some long rehearsals to get ready for it, but it’s all worth it,” he said.
“Everyone in the room is a professional. You get to work closely with the director and new choreographers, so it’s all really interesting.
“I have 10 performances … hopefully this is the start of travelling around the world with my dancing, maybe teaching and inspiring other people.”
Carmen is on at the Arts Centre until May 26.
