HUNTER-raised Moulin Rouge dancer Jasmine Bard has described being asked to model in Paris Fashion Week as “exciting, nerve-racking and very surreal”.
The former Hunter School of the Performing Arts student, 20, said one of her colleagues from the world famous cabaret who had previously modelled in Fashion Week asked Ms Bard if she wanted to send in some photos and come along to some castings.
“I got booked straight away and didn't have to go to the casting – I couldn't believe it,” Ms Bard said.
“If you asked me a few months ago if I ever thought that I would be in Paris Fashion Week, I would’ve just laughed and said ‘I wish’.
“So for it to actually be a reality, it felt amazing, exciting, nerve-racking and very surreal.”
Ms Bard modelled Lebanese fashion designer Gaby Charbachy’s spring summer 2019 collection in a showroom at The Westin Paris Vendôme.
“It felt like a privilege to be able to wear so many beautiful dresses in front of shop owners, independent buyers, fashion designers and the media,” she said.
“I’d have to say my favourite was the black mermaid style design.”
It’s not the first time statuesque Ms Bard, who is 175 centimetres tall, has flexed her model material muscle.
As well as featuring in a couple of photoshoots and fashion parades in Australia, she recently travelled to Switzerland and modelled for the Intercoiffure Mondial European Congress Show.
She has since made more contacts who have asked her to work for them, but she said the Moulin Rouge remains her first job and priority.
Ms Bard completed a Diploma in Elite Dance Performance with Sydney Dance Company in 2017 and moved to France in February this year.
She signed a new contract at the beginning of this month that covers the period to October 31, 2019.
“My professionalism as a dancer and performer has greatly developed and I believe that is a result of the environment, experiences and opportunities I have been given and the people I work with,” Ms Bard said.
“However I believe my biggest growth is as a person.
“I have learnt so much about myself while being here and have seen a lot more of the world.
“It has really opened my eyes to where I want to be and what I want to do.
“I want to continue doing what I love and travel the world for as long as I can.”
Ms Bard performs two shows on six nights each week, but this will soon drop to one show each night.
“I’ll learn [more] French, go to more dance classes, immerse myself in the French culture, art and history and learn something new.”
Ms Bard said she missed home “terribly” and was counting down to returning in February for a short break and to see her family and friends.
“I miss my family more than anything, especially not being able to see their faces, talk to them in person and give them a hug,” she said.
“They give me so much love and support every day, without them I would not be here and able to do what I am doing.”
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
