Anna Bloomfield, principal of Dubbo Ballet Studio, could not contain her excitement that former pupil Ella Havelka, 24, was the first Indigenous person to be accepted into the prestigious company in its 50-year history.

Miss Havelka, originally from Dubbo, was Ms Bloomfield’s student for four years. During that time, she watched as Miss Havelka grew into a very “dedicated and extremely talented ballet dancer”.

“I’m extremely proud - but not entirely surprised - that Ella has been accepted into the Australian Ballet,” Ms Bloomfield said.

She said her former student was a very deserving young dancer who had worked tirelessly towards her dream. 

“I taught Ella between the ages of 15 and 19 and I remember how focused and disciplined she was, even back then. She knew what she wanted and went for it and I’m so glad that she did,” she said.

After four years at the Dubbo Ballet Studio, Miss Havelka and her mother, Janna, moved to Melbourne so she could attend The Australian Ballet School (ABS). 

She graduated in 2007 before joining the Bangarra Dance Theatre in Sydney for a further three years.

“Janna Havelka sacrificed everything so her daughter could achieve her dreams. She was so supportive throughout Ella’s education, it was amazing to see.”

Miss Havelka stayed in Melbourne following her ABS graduation, but was unable to find work as a ballet dancer.

 It was only after three years with Bangarra that she received an offer of employment with The Australian Ballet, changing her life.

“When she was young, Ella gave up on all other activities after school and focused solely on ballet,” Ms Bloomfield said.

“She has a very rare talent that you don’t see everyday. She is a very natural dancer and was a pleasure to teach.”

She said she watched Miss Havelka perform at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year, which was “just beautiful.”

“Hundreds of ballet students dream for that moment, and when it happens it’s thrilling,” she sia.d

“My heart swells because I know her journey... we both invested so much time and energy into her training and it’s very humbling to see her succeed.”