Stories of success: Maidie Widmer

The Hamilton Eisteddfod is proud to help young competitors gain experience doing what they love. Some of our competitors have gone on to become professional performers, and we’re always pleased to hear of their progress.

Dancer Maidie Widmer began competing at the Hamilton Eisteddfod in 2008, and was offered a contract with the Australian Ballet in 2021. Maidie shared her story with us.

My name is Maidie Widmer and I was born and raised in Ballarat. I began dancing at the age of 5 and in 2008, at the age of 6, I began travelling regional Victoria to compete in various Eisteddfods. The very first competition I ever went to was the Hamilton Eisteddfod, and I continued going every year until 2016. In 2017 I moved to Melbourne to begin my full-time training at The Australian Ballet School. I trained for the next 4 years and graduated in 2020. The following year I was fortunate enough to be offered a contract with The Australian Ballet and have been living my childhood dream of dancing professionally for a world-renowned company.

As the first competition I ever went to, Hamilton holds a lot of fond memories for me. Over the years it was always the first competition of the year, the first stage to dance on and always one of the most exciting. The large communal change room always made for some truly special time spent with other dancers, making new friends, as well as having to dodge everyone as you tried to practise a solo with your Mum standing nearby holding an iPod that was playing the music. It was also the backdrop for many treasured photos that I still look at today.

The Hamilton Eisteddfod was always such a lovely environment to be in and a part of. I have fond memories of being side of stage knowing that there was immense support from the wings and then after dancing, the enjoyment of sitting back to cheer on my friends.
I am as proud of my very first Honourable Mention for Novice Classical Under 8, as I am of being awarded the Junior Classical Scholarship and the 14 & Under 16 Aggregate Trophy.

My love for dance is still as strong as ever and over the years Hamilton helped me follow that love, Thankyou!

Maidie Widmer

Do you have a story about the role that the Hamilton Eisteddfod has played in your career? We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at enquiries@hamiltoneisteddfod.org.au