LEANNE Benjamin has had a brilliant career. In a way it is a classic story of a dream come true – little country Queensland girl becomes top international ballerina. But, like all such stories, the path to the top was not as smooth as it appears, with complications and crucial decisions and just a little bit of fate thrown in. It takes a special combination of things to become a great ballerina – the right body and the right facility, of course, but also the right circumstances, the right people, and the determination, intelligence and courage to do honour to the great talent you are born with.
Benjamin’s story is even more extraordinary too in that she did not follow the classic script and retire at around 35, but continued dancing at her peak until the age of 49, 10 years after the birth of her son.
Now she has written a memoir, Built for Ballet.
