Tell us about your early dance journey? Where did you start and what did you do as a child?
I always wanted to do ballet as a little girl but no one in my family had danced so I was encouraged to do sport, music and art instead. One day on a family hike I tripped over my own feet so my mom decided she would give in to my demands and let me take a ballet class so I could become better coordinated. Little did she know at that time I’d continue to pursue ballet seriously for many years to come.
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Where have you trained and who were your teachers as a dancer?
I started dancing when I was five years old at a local ballet school called Pacific Ballet Academy (Mountain View, California). I auditioned for San Francisco Ballet School when I was 12 and trained there for five years. Teachers included: Irina Jacobson, Lola DeAvila, Jocelyn Vomar, Pascal Leroy, Ricardo Bustamante, Jorge Esquivel.
I did three summer intensive programs: Suzanne Farrell Workshop Rosella Hightower Centre De Dance Internationale (Cannes, France) Amerian Ballet Theatre (NYC)
I double majored at the University of California Santa Barbara (BA Dance, BA Communication) – Teachers included Nancy Colahan, Valerie Huston, Christopher Pilafian
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What have been some standout moments/achievements you’ve had with dance?
Performing with the San Francisco Ballet in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Performing at summer intensives around the world – Cannes, NYC. Filming as an extra in the movie ‘Nnine Months’ and teaching Julianne Moore ballet so she could portray a dance teacher 🙂
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What is your favourite thing about dance?
Letting all emotions, worries, troubles, etc go and just enjoying the movement and the music. Dancing makes me feel calm after a busy day, as well as energised. The best “me time”!
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What is your favourite thing about performing?
Being able to share the joy I have for dance with others
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What dance styles are you most drawn to?
Ballet/balletic contemporary/lyrical
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What do you prefer – class, rehearsal, or performance, and why?
These days it’s probably class just because I don’t have the time to dedicate my body to dance every day. I used to prefer performance for the mixture of emotions it evoked in me – the thrill, excitement, joy, bliss… but it’s been so long since I’ve performed I’m honestly not sure how I’ll feel and I’m a bit nervous now too!
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What are your top three favourite dance movies?
Centerstage, Dirty Dancing, and a tie between Baryshnikov films ‘White Nights’ and ‘The Turning Point’
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Who are some of your favourite dancers or choreographers?
Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gonzalo Garcia – Principal NYC Ballet dancer (I grew up dancing with him at SF Ballet School), Misty Copeland, Gelsey Kirkland, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine
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What for you is the most challenging and most rewarding aspect of dance?
Dancing pushes me to keep progressing and improving mentally and physically.
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What training or practice do you do at home?
Not much for myself but I am teaching my active children (one and three years old) to enjoy moving to music. Dance parties!
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How many times a week do you dance? And what are they (eg class, rehearsals, where, with who?)
Twice a week – Tuesday night rehearsal and Saturday ballet class
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What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received (again, it doesn’t have to be dance-related)
Dance like no one is watching – just let go and enjoy!
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What keeps you motivated when you are tired, discouraged, or down?
Music
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Why did you decide to audition for the MTL Performing Company?
I was enjoying taking dance classes at MTL but I’ve missed performing (it’s been nearly 15 years!).
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How did you hear about Move Through Life?
Nearly two years ago when we moved to Adelaide I was talking with family and friends about how I missed ballet but I needed a dance studio where I wouldn’t be judged for my level of skill after many years of not dancing. A family friend (Beth) suggested I try MTL.
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What is your favourite thing about being part of the MTL Performing Company?
I love the Jo’s mantra/values, the choreography, and the wonderful set of beautiful dancers I’ve had the opportunity to meet!
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What is your ‘day job’? (could be working, studying, volunteering etc)
Currently CHO (Chief Household Officer) for my family. I manage finances and household maintenance whilst being a full-time mum to two active toddler boys under four. Occasionally I take on small marketing consultant gigs in my (non-existent) free time. 😉 Previously, I worked in various advertising and marketing roles (for nearly 15 years) and opened the Twitter office in Australia.
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Describe your personality in three (or so) words
Multi-tasker, perfectionist, organiser
