Bianca Carnovale made a career by performing in the streets and inspiring children and others to dance amidst adversity.
Busking is a way for artists to share their passion with the public. It is a treat everyone appreciates—especially for those who want to enjoy performances but can’t afford it. Upcoming singers and bands usually do busking, but a girl in Melbourne found busking as a way to share her ballet prowess with the world.
Bianca Carnovale, affectionately known as Ballet Busker, has wooed the crowds of Melbourne and New York with her elegant moves. Behind every pirouette and plié, a story of hope and resurgence is shared with her audience.
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First Steps
Carnovale’s symphony started when one teacher noticed her potential to be a professional dancer when she was 14 years old. The same teacher encouraged her to audition for the Pre-Professional Program at the National College of Dance in Newcastle—she eventually got accepted. Carnovale pursued her dream even if the school was two hours away from her home—making her live there for five days every week. She would come home on the weekends.
When she turned 17, Carnovale went to New York City. She was accepted to the prestigious Ballet Academy East. She trained in New York for two years, taking every class and attending every lesson to hone her talent and improve her skills. Sadly, due to the closure of New York City because of the pandemic, Carnovale had to go back to Australia.
Inspiring Pirouettes
Just like other people who were prohibited from going out, Carnovale missed performing and dancing. Eventually, she started to dance in parks just to go out. Her mother saw this as an opportunity and asked her if she wanted to ballet busk after the pandemic. The idea seemed farfetched but after consultation with friends, she began the process.
During the lockdown, Carnovale choreographed a routine and ventured to the city streets to perform. “At first, I only had headphones but started dancing anyway. Then I got speakers. From there, I learned all the tips and tricks of busking: using cones and roping off a stage area, starting with introductory music, and perfecting choreography. I learned how to manage a crowd. Busking was a whole new world,” she said.
“I’ve noticed I can inspire and help people in a way that makes a difference. Though I don’t usually watch the audience, I happened to see the glowing face of a 13-year-old girl while I was dancing one day. I’ve been that girl before, and I know that feeling. I can make people smile and cry; I wouldn’t change that for anything,” Carnovale exclaimed.
Banner photo by Rachel Ann Hall via Instagram @balletbusker.
