What do you do?
Contemporary dancer.
When did you get into it?
I started dancing when I was 14 at the Canberra Dance Development Centre. I didn’t know it was something I wanted to make a career out of until I was around 18.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
My Aunt Narelle Benjamin was a huge influence on me and still is as a dancer. I also learn a lot from my peers and think Michael Jackson was a genius.
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Forming my own company with a group of my peers from VCA called Rogue. We will be going on our second international tour, this time to Korea in a few weeks. Getting something like that off the ground is a lot of work and we are really proud of what we have created.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment to keep on working with the amazing choreographers I have had the opportunity to work with in the past and continue with Rogue. Perhaps move to Europe in a few years to truly experience the culture and eat the chips and mayonnaise.
What makes you laugh? My friends! Always at the worst moments…
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
Local being Australia? It’s amazing! There is so much outstanding and unique work out there in both established and independent companies. Imagine what they could do if they actually had the funds to create their true vision! Local as in Canberra? It is a breeding ground for absolutely phenomenal artists in many different fields. They keep trying to find a way to boost tourism in the capital. Hello? Time for a contemporary arts festival? Everyone else has one!
What are your upcoming performances?
Chunky Move’s GLOW is coming to The Street Theatre in Canberra from May 26 - 29 and then touring to Venice. Throughout the rest of the year I will be performing for different projects in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Beijing and Taipei.
Contact info: www.chunkymove.com, www.roguedance.com.
