The Dancers Company’s touring truck driver might be ballet’s most enthusiastic fan. Woody of Doser Freight Forwarding drives his truck, loaded with tutus, scenery and props, for over 8,000km around Australia every year. In 2010 he is especially excited because the regional touring company will perform Don Quixote, his favourite ballet of all time. We caught up with Woody and asked him how much he’s looking forward to hitting the road.
How long have you been driving The Dancers Company truck?
This is my 13th or 14th tour.
Do you remember your first tour?
It was brilliant! I didn’t drive a semitrailer; it was a rigid truck. So it was smaller and didn’t bend in the middle or carry as much. So that made it easy. The first tour was great. I remember most of the places we went to.
Do you get a chance to see the ballet performances?
I do – I love it. I get to see them from all angles, and I get to stand backstage. And I go in the auditorium as well. It sounds funny – a truck driver enjoying ballet – doesn’t it?
And what’s the best ballet you’ve seen on The Dancers Company tour?
By far Don Quixote, which is what they’re performing this year. I love the characterisations. The first time I saw it David McAllister performed as a guest artist and I’ll never forget it. It was just brilliant.
How many kilometres do you travel on The Dancers Company?
Around 8,000km.
How do you entertain yourself on the road?
Well, while I’m driving I don’t like to listen to loud music. I might put a CD on quietly, so at least you can hear it in the background. I talk to myself, I argue with myself, and I plan the next day. I tend not to wander when I’m driving; I like to stay focused.
Do you look forward to The Dancers Company tour every year?
I kill to do it! Every year I hope Brian [Woody’s boss at Doser Freight] will let me do it.
And what you love most about the tour?
The whole atmosphere and I love watching the dancers improve. I love the friendship between the crew and the staff; everyone is made to feel so welcome.
How do you prepare for The Dancers Company tour?
Prior to going away (which is next Thursday), the truck will go in for a full service. It’ll have the bearings and tyres checked, and the oil will be changed. Then I’ll put all my personal belongings into the prime mover and the guys in the yard load the trailer, which is what we use for The Dancers Company tour. Once the trailer is loaded I leave Adelaide for Melbourne and get there at about 3am. Then I’ll clean the inside of the trailer and shoot up to the Kensington store. And the guys up there – while I have a coffee and a bit of a rest – will load it up for me.
Is it true the dancers put on lipstick and kissed your truck before it left last year?
Can I tell you a secret? The kisses are still on there! I have to wash them off before I arrive next week!
The Dancers Company will tour Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia in July and August 2010
I feel very envious when Woody leaves Adelaide to go on tour with the Ballet. I have done it before and once you have travelled with the Ballet you just can’t get enough of it.
Woody will do this tour as long as he is willing and able to.