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Small town boy lands part in big time, mega musical production.
In Keian Landon's case, that dream became a reality earlier this year when he learned he was just one of 34 to land a part in the stage production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
But, Keian is no slouch when it comes to talent.
After completing his secondary school studies at the famed performing arts school, The McDonald College, North Strathfield, Keian went on to join the Queensland Ballet Pre-Professional program before transitioning into the Queensland Ballet.
Keian danced his way through the ranks to become a principal dancer, touring Europe on many occasions.
"It was one of the most rewarding times of my life; it was like a family," he said.
Keian then grabbed the opportunity to tour the world working as a cruise ship entertainer, a five-year journey which would take him to the Caribbean, Middle East, Baltics, Alaska and Asia.
"It was an amazing opportunity to travel and see the world and meet lots of interesting people."
However, covid arrived, forcing Keian to return to Australia, and his parents' Nabiac home.
"It took me a bit of time to figure out what to do; there was nothing going on around the world so I decided to go back to Australia.
"And, it was the safest place to be."
Living such a nomadic lifestyle, returning home took Keian some time to adjust.
He found work performing at the Opera House before auditioning for Moulin Rouge in March before a panel of Australian and international judges.
Keian was one of more than 2000 to apply for an audition, which eventually was whittled down to 479 to fill just 34 roles.
"It was pretty gruelling," he said of the three rounds of tryout.
"It came down to the wire."
Initially resigned that he wasn't successful, Keian was understandably elated when two weeks later he learned of his success.
"I was absolutely stoked.It has been a pretty crazy year."
Driving for a gym session in Forster, Keian had to pull over for a moment - or two - for the news to sink in.
Rehearsals for the August opening at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, begin in June.
However, Keian has already stepped up his preparation for the 6-8 shows weekly, returning to ballet and pilates classes, building up his vocal and physical stamina.
Thirty-four-year-old Keian has been encouraged all the way by his family who supported his love of dance as a 10-year-old and were happy to help nurture his talents at the performing arts school at 16.
He said he was inspired to take up dance at 10 after seeing Irish American dancer, Michael Flatley of Riverdance fame and Russian American classical dancer, Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov.
"I got it in my head that people are doing this for a job and that it was my calling."
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