Ballet mum being kept on her toes

Olivia Bell with her daughter Anouska and twin sons Gabriel and Rafael. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: The Daily Telegraph

EVERY mum knows returning to full-time work keeps you on your toes, but Olivia Bell will be doing it en pointe when she steps onto the stage at the Sydney Opera house later this month.

Bell, a principal artist with the Australian Ballet, is about to return to performing after taking a year off following the birth of her daughter, Anouska.

With 3 1/2 year old twin boys, Gabriel and Rafael, "co-operation" is a word Bell uses frequently to cajole the boisterous duo through their day as she prepares for the Australian Ballet's triple bill Vanguard opening on April 30.

"It is a lot of organising on my behalf and also planning ahead with the ballet," Bell said. "Yes, it's a challenge but at the same time, the Australian Ballet are very accepting and very flexible at managing mothers now.

"Sadly they would have lost a number of dancers had they not put in place such a wonderful maternity policy that they have now."

Combining motherhood and a stellar classical ballet career spanning nearly two decades has helped to give Bell some life balance.

"You have to find balance in your life, it (motherhood) also brings joy and fulfils you on another level," she said.

When Bell performs in the power-packed role of Choleric, in the Balanchine classic The Four Temperaments, it will be the first time her children have seen her perform on stage. And, while she started dance classes when she was just a couple of years older than her twins, she is keen to let her children follow their hearts.

"I hope that they find, like I have, something that can be a job and a love," she said.

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