From suburban dance school to Anastasia the musical

A ten-year-old girl named Aria Piteo is set to make her professional theatre debut in the Anastasia musical during its Adelaide season. The young performer, along with three other girls, has been selected to play the role of Little Anastasia. All four girls hail from the Norwood-based Barbara Jayne Dance Centre, which has trained them over the years. The announcement marks a significant milestone in their careers, as they prepare to step onto the stage for the first time in a professional production. The selection process was rigorous, involving multiple rounds of auditions attended by numerous hopefuls. Each girl expressed both excitement and nerves about the opportunity. Aria Piteo admitted feeling nervous but confident in her ability to succeed, saying, “You can do it Ari, yes, you can do it.” Similarly, Audrey Burnett, another of the selected performers, acknowledged her own anxiety but believed she was capable, stating, “It’s okay you got this, you got chosen for a reason.” Daisy Goodall, another of the young actresses, initially doubted her chances due to the high number of talented participants. However, the shared experience and camaraderie among the four girls helped them endure the demanding audition process. They described each other as close friends and supportive companions, emphasizing the emotional bond they had formed throughout their training. “They’re just like family to me,” Burnett said, adding that the group’s mutual encouragement made them feel calmer and more prepared for the challenges ahead. Barbara Komazec, the long-time director of the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre, has witnessed countless students pass through its doors over the past five decades. She noted that while the girls possess notable talents in singing, dancing, and acting, success in the theatrical world requires more than just skill. Resilience, she explained, is equally vital. “They’ve got to be able to get knocked back and then get back up and try again,” Komazec said, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks. Among the four young performers, Isla Bahrami stands out as the youngest, just nine years old. She revealed that receiving the call informing her of her casting was both exciting and shocking. “I was excited, shocked at the same time,” she said. Her reaction was echoed by her cousin, who celebrated with her in the car, resulting in a moment of pure joy and disbelief. As the rehearsals begin, Isla looks forward to performing a song alongside one of the adult cast members. She mentioned that the person, whom she believes is named Nancy, is actually Australian theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM, who plays the role of the Dowager Empress. Komazec praised the girls for their commitment and the valuable experiences they will gain, including working with a musical director, choreographers, and other professionals in the industry. Despite the enthusiasm, the journey has not been easy. Burnett admitted that the level of dedication required is considerable, noting that the girls attend numerous lessons weekly. While she is eager to showcase her abilities in Anastasia, she also expressed concern about her mother’s reaction. “My mum gets extremely nervous, she like freaks out and she makes me nervous,” she said, acknowledging the added pressure of having a parent in the audience. The cast of Anastasia also includes Georgina Hopson and Rhonda Burchmore, further enriching the production with seasoned performers. As the Adelaide season approaches, the young cast prepares to bring their talents to the stage, marking a new chapter in their lives and careers.