THIS week we chat with multidisciplinary dancer Danica, who said she\u2019s inspired by her instructors and mentors at Bendigo East dance, fitness, pole and aerial studio Stage 29.<\/p>\n
What initially motivated you to take up your various dance pursuits, amongst those being burlesque, chairlesque, aerial silks, pole, hoop and aerial hammock?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I also found them difficult as I was uncoordinated, but dance was different.<\/p>\n I did jazz (dancing) when I was young, but I didn\u2019t pursue dance until I was an adult as I felt I didn\u2019t have the ideal dancer\u2019s body at the time.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n How would you describe your style? <\/strong><\/p>\n I don\u2019t think I have a particular style, I just like to be creative and find new ways to move my body and challenge myself.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n Which other dancers inspire you and why? <\/strong><\/p>\n My instructors at Stage 29 inspire me.<\/p>\n They all provide a slightly different perspective to the artwork that I can use to shape my own.<\/p>\n I also find inspiration through aerial artists on social media.<\/p>\n Have you had any particular mentors over your career so far? <\/strong><\/p>\n My mentors have been my instructors.<\/p>\n I aspire to be as strong as they are – they make the most challenging moves look simply effortless.<\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your time following your pursuits so far? <\/strong><\/p>\n I love performing in front of an audience, it\u2019s a great adrenalin rush.<\/p>\n I especially love nailing a challenging routine on stage as achieving the hard moves feels amazing every time I do it.<\/p>\n Hearing what people thought of a performance is also a highlight – compliments on my stage presence and strength help with building my confidence.<\/p>\n How can people check out your work online? <\/strong><\/p>\n Stage 29 posts photos and clips from performances on their social media.<\/p>\n Otherwise, the best place to see my work is in person, like the upcoming showcase in November at Ulumbarra Theatre.<\/p>\n