Jessica Stratton-Smith

Introducing Jessica

Born in Adelaide, Jessica began dancing at four-years-old at the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre. At 14, she moved to Melbourne where she trained at the Australian Ballet School, graduating in 2021.

Repertoire highlights

• ‘Child Clara' in Graeme Murphy's Nutcracker: Story of Clara
• Soloist in Marius Petipa's Paquita
• Pas de Quatre in David McAllister’s Swan Lake Variations
• Butterfly - Lucas Jervies
• Arcadia - Margaret Wilson
• White Nights - Stephen Baynes

What is your dream role?

One day, I hope to dance Juliet in Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo & Juliet. It is a ballet I have always loved, with such a beautiful and moving story, it would be both challenging and extremely rewarding to perform. There is so much emotional depth to Juliet's character, and finding a unique portrayal of this role would be an incredible experience.

What inspires you to dance?

In ballet, the music is my main source of inspiration with its ability to transport you into a different world. It gives you direction but also an abundance of individual freedom to interpret the movement in a unique way.

Did you know…

I have a twin sister, Charlotte, who also studies ballet.