From Slovakia to Oz: Junee choreographer lands dream role

A DREAM opportunity slipped through her fingers when she was just 16 years old.

After earning a coveted place at her dream full-time ballet school in Slovakia, Veronika Heszterenyiova was preparing to begin the next chapter of her life when everything changed.

Just weeks before classes were due to start, her family made the life-changing decision to move to Australia.

“I was quite heartbroken,” Veronika recalled.

“I’d just been accepted into my dream school. I was supposed to start in September 2009, but we moved to Australia in August.”

Seventeen years later, the Junee dance teacher has come full circle.

Junee dance teacher Veronika Heszterenyiova has been appointed choreographer for Civic Theatre Wagga’s production of The Wizard of Oz | Image: Supplied

This October, Veronika will choreograph Wagga Civic Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, leading the movement behind one of the world’s most beloved musicals.

The appointment marks the biggest choreographic role of her career and another milestone in a lifelong passion that began long before she ever stepped onto a stage.

Born in Slovakia, Veronika started dancing at just four years of age and said she always knew where life would take her.

“I always knew I wanted to be a dance teacher,” she said.

“Even back home in Slovakia, I’d have the neighbours come over and I’d make them be my students. From a very young age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.”

Veronika discovered her love of dance at just four years of age, beginning a journey that has led her from Slovakia to the Riverina | Image: Supplied

After graduating high school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Dance and Performance, before making the move to Australia with her family.

The transition wasn’t easy.

Moving to Sydney as a teenager, Veronika arrived unable to speak English.

“It was very difficult in the beginning because I couldn’t speak any English,” she said.

“But I told myself I didn’t need to speak English to dance and communicate through movement, so I joined dance classes as soon as I arrived.”

Veronika later settled in Junee in 2020 and has spent more than 15 years teaching dance while building an impressive career spanning feature films, television commercials and musical theatre.

Veronika says choreographing The Wizard of Oz is the biggest creative role of her career | Image: Supplied

Although she has previously contributed choreography to productions, The Wizard of Oz will be the first time she has choreographed an entire musical.

“It feels amazing,” she said.

“I’m so grateful they’ve trusted me with such a big role.”

For Veronika, the production holds special significance.

She counts Wicked, the hit musical inspired by the world of The Wizard of Oz, among her all-time favourites, making the opportunity even more meaningful.

“Being able to choreograph The Wizard of Oz is such an incredible honour,” she said.

“Dance has been a part of my life since I was four years old, and having the opportunity to help bring such a timeless and magical story to life is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

From ballet to street dance, Veronika’s broad dance background has helped shape her career as a performer, teacher and choreographer | Images: Supplied

She officially joined rehearsals last week, spending Friday observing the cast before leading her first two-and-a-half-hour choreography session on Saturday.

Her role is to weave movement throughout the production, working with performers of all experience levels.

“Some are amazing singers and actors but haven’t danced before, while others have plenty of dance experience,” she said.

“I’m trying to create choreography that’s accessible for beginners while also giving the experienced dancers something more challenging.

“I’m so proud of how far they’ve already come. Seeing everyone’s confidence grow and watching them give it their best has been amazing.”

The production features over two dozen dancers performing a mix of ballet, jazz and other dance styles, with choreography tailored to the mood and energy of each scene.

“It’s a real mix,” Veronika said.

“Each scene has its own feel, so audiences can expect plenty of variety.”

The feedback from the production team has only reinforced that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

“After my first class, the director came up to me and told me I’d been a godsend,” she said.

“The production manager also emailed me afterwards to say how grateful they were. Hearing that feedback made me feel incredibly grateful.”

The Junee choreographer has built an impressive career spanning dance, film and musical theatre | Image: Supplied

As rehearsals continue ahead of the October season, Veronika hopes her own story encourages young dancers across the Riverina to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

“Never give up,” she said.

“Have courage, have a laugh, have passion for what you’re doing, and believe in yourself.”

The Wizard of Oz will be staged at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre from October 8 to 18, with 10 performances scheduled across the season.