Local artist profile: Liam Sheppard

THIS week we chat with Liam Sheppard, an amazing dancer ready to set the world on fire.

What initially motivated you to become a dancer?

From a young age, I wasn’t sure what I wanted, and where I belonged. I knew sports wasn’t my thing, especially after passing out by being hit by a soccer ball. Through watching dance movies like Burlesque and the Step Up movies, that’s when it all first started.

How would you describe your dancing style and how did you develop it?

Since year 7 I have re-thought my style as I’m definitely no hip hop dancer. I have developed my own feminine, confident, and emotional dancing style by listening to the advice of ‘dancing for yourself’ and discovering that I can break the stereotypes of genres and make them my own.

Which other dancers inspire you?

I think it’s obvious that Brett Beckhurst is the biggest inspiration. Being independent since 15 and joining the Queensland Ballet is inspiring to say the least. He has motivated me to hold onto goals of success and opportunities, which are beginning to be real thanks to his guidance and mentorship.

Melbourne-based, Beckhurst is a national and internationally experienced performer and choreographer, with expertise across a wide range of dance genres, including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, singing, musical theatre, acrobatics, hip hop, commercial and circus performance.

He has worked with a range of international artists and performers including Du0, Lorenzo, Nat Ho, Kris Wu, Jolin Tsai, Yoga Lin, Wilber Pan, Fatai, Jessica Mauboy, J Williams, Zoe Badwi and Jason Dy, as well as corporations such as SONY Music.

He is also a mentor for Bendigo’s performing arts supporting body, the Ulumbarra Foundation.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

Growing the confidence to perform as a soloist, which I never imagined for myself. I was pinching myself when I got into Newsies the musical in Melbourne, but the biggest highlight has been being accepted into Patrick School of The Arts in Windsor, Melbourne in 2023, my dream finally fulfilled.

How has your dance practice been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

I might be strange for saying that although lockdowns were horrible, they had positives. My teacher/mentor Brett gave me the opportunity to meet other dancers not just nationally but on an international scale and I was able to learn from them. I think this inspired me even more coming back to class and it improved my technique immensely.

How can people check out some of your performances and/or the various groups you perform with?

The media has provided such great opportunities for the dance industry, allowing for so much content to be shared, including our incredible showcases filmed by Pride Productions, all uploaded to YouTube for the public to enjoy.

What would you say to young regional aspiring dancers who are thinking of having a go at working as a professional?

As a regional dancer, I never thought I could reach the standard of those above me or as I saw on social media. But I’ve learnt that – if you want to be a lion, you’ve got to train like one. Once I was around like-minded people and had the right teacher and mentor, it made me fortunate enough to grasp at opportunities and challenge myself to be better.