Her rise to the top ranks of the Australian Ballet has put Dimity Azoury on the international stage.
But, to adapt the anthem of nomadic young Aussie travellers, she still calls Queanbeyan and Canberra home.
''I love being on stage and the travelling is wonderful, but it also makes me realise how much I love home,'' she said.
Azoury was this week named one of six finalists for the 2012 Dancer of the Year Award.
The Queanbeyan-raised 23-year-old has been dancing since she could stand and is proud to have learnt in Canberra.
''I went to the Kim Harvey School of Dance and still visit all the time ... I even still call my dance teacher Miss Kim,'' she said.
She also has plans to give back to the ballet scene in Canberra and teach classes at her old school.
''I would love to come and teach all the aspiring dancers in Canberra ... I have had a lot of support from the community in Canberra and Queanbeyan,'' she said.
It will be a busy year for Azoury. The winner is judged on their performances, a written essay and a public vote.
As a young girl, Azoury wanted to be more then just a dancer. ''I always wanted to be a vet as well as a dancer so maybe one day I can be both,'' she said.
Azoury is not the only one looking forward to a big year ahead. The Australian Ballet is celebrating its 50th year since artistic director Peggy van Praagh founded the company. Since opening, the Australian Ballet has produced an average of 200 performances per year.
This year all six contestants can also look forward to a trip to New York and a collaboration with indigenous dance theatre Bangarra.
''We are all really good friends and excited for a wonderful year of opportunities,'' Azoury said.
.gif)
