Tell us about your early dance journey? Where did you start and what did you do as a child?
I started dancing ballet when I was three with Christine Durkin Academy of Dance. I still remember the starting age was four, but my older sister Rhiannon was already dancing and I had massive FOMO. I still remember the phone call from Mrs Durkin asking if I would like to come along to ballet. I was so excited and felt like such a VIP for being able to start early 😂
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What is your earliest memory of dance?
Being a Jack in the Box in Mary Poppins- I was about six or seven, and my box came apart from all the jumping. When I got a chance I began manically repairing it from the inside, which probably looked hilarious from the audience. I still remember Mrs Durkin coming up to me at the end of the show giving me a big hug and congratulating me on getting through it. That was my first lesson that “the show must go on!”
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Where have you trained and who were your teachers as a dancer?
Christine Durkin from the age of three to about 23. Then Karen Johnston at Tenison College of Dance for a couple of years. I moved to London for two years and continued ballet classes while I lived there, but took a break once I returned to Adelaide until joining Move Through Life in 2019. I have always danced in some way, whether in dance subjects at school, school aerobics competitions, ballet or just on the dance floor.
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What have been some standout moments/achievements you’ve had with dance?
Winning the state championship in our school aerobics team was pretty stand out. I was the team captain and we’d put so much effort into getting the school to back us. They put a lot of emphasis on supporting team sports and they weren’t really interested in dance, but it was great to help to change that!
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Have you performed in a Fringe show before? If so, tell us about it
I performed in a Flash Mob with my mum and sister years ago! We did a performance in the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Mall and in the Artists Bar. It was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to getting to be part of the Fringe again.
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What is your favourite thing about dance?
The routine of going each week, even when I’m feeling super lazy I always feel better after going to class or rehearsal. I also love the social aspect and the excellent people that you meet through dance.
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What is your favourite thing about performing?
The feeling of having worked hard to learn something and sense of achievement when it all comes together on stage.
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What dance styles are you most drawn to?
Ballet and anything with structure. Also freestyle on the dance floor.
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What do you prefer – class, rehearsal, or performance, and why?
I prefer rehearsal because I love learning, practicing and fine tuning choreography.
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What are your top three favourite dance movies?
Centre Stage, Save the Last Dance, and West Side Story to balance out the cheesiness.
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Who are some of your favourite dancers or choreographers?
Michael Jackson- as controversial as that is! I still remember watching one of his concerts on TV as a kid and being so amazed.
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What for you is the most challenging and most rewarding aspect of dance?
Performing is both a challenge and the most rewarding aspect! It’s nerve-racking but also feels like a great accomplishment.
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What training or practice do you do at home?
A bit of yoga and rehearsing our performance pieces.
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What are your dance goals, dreams, or aspirations?
Just to keep getting enjoyment from dance.
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How many times a week do you dance? And what are they (eg class, rehearsals, where, with who?)
I do class and rehearsal once a week at Move Through Life.
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Who inspires you (they can be dance or not dance related)
My Nan, she did ballet and was also a dressmaker, so she was always making costumes for me and my sisters for our concerts and competitions. I’m looking forward to her being able to see me on stage again!
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What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (again, it doesn’t have to be dance-related)
The universe never gives you more than you can handle.
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What keeps you motivated when you are tired, discouraged, or down?
Music. Seeing friends, my family and being around happy people, especially my nephew!
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Why did you decide to audition for the MTL Performing Company?
For the challenge. I haven’t performed for years and wanted to push myself!
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How did you hear about Move Through Life?
Through a dance friend
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What is your favourite thing about being part of the MTL Performing Company?
How down to earth everyone is. There is a range of ability and experience but everyone supports each other and it feels like a team.
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What always makes you laugh?
British comedies like the IT Crowd and the Mighty Boosh. Also my nephew!
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What hobbies do you have outside of dance?
Keeping my indoor plants alive! Going to bands- now that we can start doing that again! I like being around friends and family whenever I can.
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What is your ‘day job’? (could be working, studying, volunteering etc)
I work for a Trade Union as an organiser for Early Childhood Educators. I’m a qualified Early Childhood Teacher and education is a passion of mine.
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Describe your personality in three (or so) words
Determined, community-focused, advocate
