Local artist profile: Ebony Killick

THIS week we chat with another multi-talented local dancer, Ebony Killick, who said one of her proudest memories was performing the lead role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty at age 18, which fulfilled a childhood dream.

What motivated you to take up dancing?

Dance has been part of my life since I was two years old after joining my sister’s jazz class when a teacher invited me in from the hallway.

Since then, dance has become my greatest form of self-expression and achievement.

More recently, watching performers at Stage29Studios inspired me to challenge myself further through pole dancing and aerial silks.

How would you describe your style?

My dance style has been shaped by years of training.

From a young age I was drawn to learning contrasting styles and blending them together.

Over time, I developed a movement style that combines the technical control and grace of ballet with the musicality, strength and dynamic energy of hip hop and contemporary dance.

My choreography is creativity-driven, expressive and versatile, allowing me to move fluidly between multiple styles within one performance.

Which other dancers inspire you?

My childhood ballet teacher, Rosemary Frost, has always been one of my greatest inspirations.

As the owner of Ringwood Ballet Group and a former soloist ballerina with the Royal Academy of Dance, she inspired me through both her talent and teaching.

Have you had any mentors over your career so far?

My greatest mentor today is Jenny Turner, owner of Stage 29 Studios.

She leads by example and creates a safe, supportive environment where aspiring and professional dancers can grow.

Through her mentorship, I continue learning about teaching, performance and the dance industry, while developing my own career and helping inspire the next generation.

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

One of my proudest memories was performing the lead role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty at age 18.

It fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming the lead in our annual ballet production.

I loved bringing the story to life through performance and connecting emotionally with the audience.

What made the experience more special was sharing that final concert with lifelong friends, celebrating each other’s achievements and the unbreakable bond we formed through dance.

How can people check out your work online?

People can view my work online through my TikTok account (@ebza24), where I share dance videos showcasing my training and performance work.

However, the best way to experience my dancing is live.

I will be performing in our upcoming production Continuum on November 28 at Ullumbra Theatre.

Where do you see yourself with your pursuits in the future?

I see myself expanding my teaching to include hip hop and jazz alongside my current classes in ballet, contemporary, acrobatics and tap.

I also hope to create more collaborative choreographic works with my partner, Jay Perennial, a photographic artist.

In the longer term, I aspire to open my own inclusive dance studio where dancers of all abilities can train, express themselves and feel empowered through dance.

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

Starting something new can feel daunting, like standing in front of a mirror and being fully seen.

But in dance, that mirror isn’t there to judge you – it’s there to help you grow.

Remember why you wanted to start in the first place.

Dance is about expression, connection and confidence.

You are doing it for yourself, not anyone else.