Alumni Reflections: Life After PPY

As applications for Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year 2026 are now open, we’ve invited alumni to reflect on their training, the transition from student to emerging artist and the pathways they’re now forging in the professional dance world.

In this first edition, we speak with three 2024 graduates Julien Cravero, Matilda (Tilly) Backus and Roxie Syron as they share their experiences, what they’ve taken from their time at PPY and their hopes for what lies ahead.

 

Do you remember your first day at PPY? 

Tilly: I do — not the fine details, but the feelings. I remember being calmly nervous, if you can imagine that. We took those awkward, silly group photos outside and then Omer came in and immediately broke down our barriers. He made us feel safe, open and welcome — all on the first day. 

And your last day? 

Tilly: The final day was far more emotional than I expected. I wasn’t sad throughout the day — I was just excited for the final show. But as soon as we took our last bow and went back to the dressing room, the teachers came in — and the tears followed. Tears of love, gratitude and pride. That moment felt like we’d truly accomplished something together — students and teachers as one. 

 

What were the highlights of PPY for you? 

Julien: A big highlight for me was Linda Gamblin’s ballet classes. She shared so much rich information — I’m still trying to hold onto all of it. She helped me see ballet as something joyful again — as just dancing.

Another highlight was the chance to meet and talk with so many inspiring artists from different backgrounds. I’ve got a huge archive of notes filled with their insights.

And the little things, like lunches outside in the sun on the wharf — unforgettable. 

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What was one of the biggest challenges you faced? 

Roxie: For me, it was building confidence in my own choreographic ideas. Being surrounded by so much talent, I found myself constantly comparing and doubting my voice. To work through it, I embraced creative risk-taking. I let go of needing to be “right” and just explored without judgement. That shift helped me take more chances and accept feedback as a tool for growth. 

I learnt that creativity often comes from being vulnerable and taking risks. Trusting my instincts helped me value authenticity over perfection and gave me the confidence in own my voice. 

 

Six months on: What are you up to now? 

Tilly: I’ve moved to the Gold Coast and am back living with my family — but in a new town this time! I’ve been spending lots of time with The Farm, taking class and growing my community. Right now, I’m working at a pub to save money… not sure what for yet — maybe a big adventure.

Roxie: I am living in Sydney and in January, I joined Bangarra Dance Theatre. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the company, and we’ve just premiered our new work Illume at the Sydney Opera House.

Julien: I’m currently living in Sydney and teaching at my former dance school. A few of us from my cohort at PPY have formed a group where we meet weekly to create and explore. We call ourselves The Catchment dance collective. At the moment, we’re working two days a week, training and diving into individual creative ideas to build movement and create works.

 

Tell us more about your collective — Where did it begin, and what is the vision? 

Julien: The idea started with a few conversations about the Australian dance industry. Toward the end of our second year, we noticed a gap — between independent artists and major companies like Sydney Dance Company or Stephanie Lake Company.

We wanted to keep creating, but we also wanted to do it together. That’s where the idea for a collective really started to form. 

Our goals are simple but meaningful. One piece of advice we took from PPY was: “You just have to make things happen.” So, we’re doing that. We also want to create a collaborative space here in Sydney — somewhere independent artists can come together to research, move and create. Something that sits between being a full-time company and working solo, as a freelancer. 

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 What is one key lesson you took from PPY? 

Roxie: Adaptability — both physical and mental. In creative work, being flexible is everything. Not just in how you move, but in how you respond to feedback, change and challenge. 

By stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing different ideas and techniques, I found new ways to express myself and deepen my artistry. I also learnt the power of collaboration. Working alongside others reminded me how much we grow when we support and challenge one another. 

 

Any final advice for future students or those about to graduate? 

Tilly: For current students: open yourself up, fully. If you’re not absorbing everything, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Be a human first — take the pressure off needing to be a “dancer” all the time. Just be you.

For those about to graduate: take your time. There’s no rush. Explore what you like, find your people and let your imagination wander. Dream big — and don’t force yourself into a box. 

Julien: Remember that you can do whatever you want. You’re in control of your life — use that power. Follow what excites you, and if something doesn’t feel right, let it go.
Ask yourself: if you were living in a dream world where time and resources weren’t an issue, what would you do? Now try to do that here, too.

And don’t be afraid of things that don’t work — that’s part of the process. Keep doing the things you care about and something meaningful will come from it. 

 

Ready to start your own journey?
The Pre-Professional Year is more than a training program — it’s a launching pad for a career in dance and an exploration of who you are as an artist. 

Applications are now open.
Follow your curiosity. Trust your instincts. And maybe one day, you’ll share your story here too.