Local artist profile: Danica

THIS week we chat with multidisciplinary dancer Danica, who said she’s inspired by her instructors and mentors at Bendigo East dance, fitness, pole and aerial studio Stage 29.

What initially motivated you to take up your various dance pursuits, amongst those being burlesque, chairlesque, aerial silks, pole, hoop and aerial hammock?

As a kid I was always dancing and even though I came from a very sporty family I never had much interest in organised sports.

I also found them difficult as I was uncoordinated, but dance was different.

I did jazz (dancing) when I was young, but I didn’t pursue dance until I was an adult as I felt I didn’t have the ideal dancer’s body at the time.

I started pole when I was finishing high school and joined a pole studio when I moved to Bendigo, where I discovered further dance styles like burlesque and aerial.

How would you describe your style?

I don’t think I have a particular style, I just like to be creative and find new ways to move my body and challenge myself.

I’ve developed more of a focus on aerial for the strength and challenge it brings and burlesque as it allows more exploration of a more sensual side of dance.

Which other dancers inspire you and why?

My instructors at Stage 29 inspire me.

They all provide a slightly different perspective to the artwork that I can use to shape my own.

I also find inspiration through aerial artists on social media.

Have you had any particular mentors over your career so far?

My mentors have been my instructors.

I aspire to be as strong as they are – they make the most challenging moves look simply effortless.

What are some highlights you have from your time following your pursuits so far?

I love performing in front of an audience, it’s a great adrenalin rush.

I especially love nailing a challenging routine on stage as achieving the hard moves feels amazing every time I do it.

Hearing what people thought of a performance is also a highlight – compliments on my stage presence and strength help with building my confidence.

How can people check out your work online?

Stage 29 posts photos and clips from performances on their social media.

Otherwise, the best place to see my work is in person, like the upcoming showcase in November at Ulumbarra Theatre.

Where do you see yourself with your pursuits in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

Ideally, I’d love to be still doing aerial and burlesque in ten years.

I’ve been doing silks and hammock (aerial performances where artists are suspended above the ground using fabric apparatuses) for over 12 years, and I added in lyra (hoop) two years ago, so I’d love to be stronger and more confident in each apparatus.

I’ve been doing burlesque and chairlesque (combining chair-based movement with the theatricality of burlesque) even longer and I intend to continue with that as long as I can.

What would you say to young regional aspiring dancers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I’d say to just give it a go, it’s a great way to find confidence in yourself and your body.

I’d also say to remember that everyone had to start at the beginning and strength and skill comes from practicing.

I think finding the right studio is important as well, somewhere that encourages you and is welcoming to all.