Tyler Robinson

by Danielle Brown

published in print: September 2024

Tyler Robinson’s journey from the sunny shores of Australia’s Gold Coast to the international ballet stage is a testament to his passion, dedication, and extraordinary talent. Born in 2001, Tyler began his dance training at a young age, nurturing a deep-seated love for ballet that would propel him into a promising career. After refining his skills at the Queensland National Ballet (QNB) and the prestigious School of Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier, Tyler now finds himself as a member of the Finnish National Ballet, marking the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career in the world of dance.

Tyler’s early dance education laid a solid foundation for his future successes. In 2017, he began his studies at the Queensland National Ballet, where he received his Advanced Diploma in 2019. His exceptional talent quickly became apparent as he emerged as a finalist in the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship and a semi-finalist at the Alana Haines Australasian Awards. In pursuit of further excellence, Tyler moved to Germany to study at the School of Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier, a decision that would prove pivotal in shaping his career.

Reflecting on Tyler’s growth as a dancer, Martyn Fleming, Artistic Director of Queensland National Ballet, remarked, “Tyler has a remarkable ability to take what is given to him and truly make it his own. Choreographing for him pushes creative boundaries, thanks to his exceptional musicality. On stage, he commands attention in any role he undertakes. I vividly recall when Maina Gielgud was guest teaching; during a scene from La Sylphide, she remarked, ‘Tyler has it. Even with the simplest gesture, you can’t help but be drawn to him.’ His beautiful lines, impeccable technique, and effortless jumps have secured him a well-deserved place with the Finnish National Ballet.”

In 2021, Tyler graduated from the School of Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier and soon after joined the Bayerisches Junior Ballett München as a scholarship holder of the Heinz-Bosl-Stiftung (2021-23). His experience in Europe not only honed his technical skills but also prepared him for the demands of professional ballet life. In the 2024 season, Tyler made the leap to the Finnish National Ballet, joining their ranks as a member of the corps de ballet.

When asked about his decision to join the Finnish National Ballet, Tyler cited the company’s diverse repertoire as a major draw. “The thing that appealed to me about working with the Finnish National Ballet is mostly their repertoire, as it’s a wide range between classical ballet to modern works ranging from different choreographers,” he explained. This variety, combined with the opportunity to work with a company of 75 dancers, offered a new challenge and a chance to grow as an artist.

Transitioning to a company with such a large ensemble was a significant change for Tyler, who had previously danced with a junior company of just 14 dancers. “It’s definitely a change,” Tyler admitted. “It makes you more aware of what you have to provide and give as a hired employee with a company. It creates more of a sense of a community working together.”

Tyler’s audition process for the Finnish National Ballet was unconventional, conducted over Zoom due to his being in Australia at the time. Despite the distance and the virtual nature of the audition, Tyler found the process straightforward and effective. “It was a very easy process to do,” he recalled.

Moving to a new country always comes with uncertainties, but Tyler embraced the adventure with an open mind. Having already spent four years in Germany, the transition to Finland felt like a natural progression. “I didn’t have any reservations about traveling to the other side of the world as I find home can be found here as well,” he shared.

Tyler’s early weeks with the Finnish National Ballet have been promising, and despite initial nerves about the unknown, he has quickly adapted to his new environment. “The most nervous thing before leaving was just the thought of the unknown because you never really know what it’s going to be like until you get there,” he said. But those concerns have been alleviated as he settled into his new role and found the company to be welcoming and supportive.

Tyler’s training at Queensland National Ballet has been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of a professional ballet career. Reflecting on his education, he acknowledged the impact of his teachers and the skills they helped him develop. “My training at QNB started when I was young and when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a ballet dancer,” Tyler explained. “As the years went by, I started to find a love and passion for it, which was greatly helped by the teachers at QNB. They gave me the skill set to move overseas at a young age, and I will always respect what they did for me.”

As Tyler embarks on this new chapter of his career, he carries with him valuable lessons from his time at QNB. “One thing that I will take with me through my ballet career is that what you want to bring on stage can’t just be on the stage. It has to be for rehearsals and anything leading up to the show as it’s a process. You can’t perform to your best just like that.”

Tyler’s first performance with the Finnish National Ballet will be in Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Javier Torres. As he continues to navigate the complexities of company life and international ballet, Tyler remains optimistic and grounded. The challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment are all part of the experience, and Tyler is embracing each aspect with the same dedication and passion that has driven him throughout his journey.

As he reflects on his early days with the Finnish National Ballet, Tyler is encouraged by the warmth and kindness of his colleagues. “As a new dancer in a place where everyone knows each other, I think that everyone is very sweet and kind and is always there to help you with whatever you need. Sometimes in the ballet world, it’s not always like this.”

Tyler Robinson’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the unyielding pursuit of a dream. From his beginnings on the Gold Coast to the stages of Europe, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and a testament to the power of passion and hard work. With a promising future ahead, Tyler is poised to make his mark on the global ballet scene.