I’d love to know what first spurred your passion for dance theatre! Can you remember what first spark your love of dance?
My mum remembers me asking to start ballet when I was four years old. She says she has no idea where it came from as she had never taken me to a class, or to see a ballet performance. So I am not sure what it was that first spurred my passion for dancing! I remember always dancing in the lounge room to my mum and dad’s music! I also remember wanting a pair of ballet shoes with the pretty ribbons. For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved movement and music.

Can you remember the first time you ever performed for an audience?
Not specifically the first time, but I do remember feeling quite comfortable on stage from a young age. When I was younger I was extremely shy yet I would always surprise my family, especially my mum, as I would just step out onto the stage without a problem at all. To this day I find it easiest to be myself on the stage.

What can you tell us about When Time Stops? What will people experience throughout the show?
I think When Time Stops is a hauntingly beautiful show. A woman’s life flashes before her eyes in her final moments. Those moments of loss, love, tragedy, betrayal, & happiness are brought to life by the 8 dancers and the incredible musicians of the Camerata of St Johns. I think people will be able to connect personally to this show. We have all experienced these moments at some point in our life; those raw human emotions that pulse through every single one of us every day. It’s real. It’s honest. It’s sad! Bring your tissues!

When Time Stops was first performed in 2013, but has been re-worked a little for its return to QPAC. What’s different about the production this time around?
The beauty of doing a work a second time around means that Natalie Weir, our Artistic Director and choreographer has been able to give it a ‘Directors Cut’ – there are amazing tweaks and changes that have improved the work. There’s also an exciting new cast who bring a freshness and new energy to the work.

When Time Stops deals with some very intense subject matter, which would be a unique challenge for any performer. As you fill the role of the central figure of the story, how did you go about approaching the material? What is the first step?
The first step was learning the movement material. There are four duos, one trio and one solo. The next step was to learn the transitions that link the story together – for me this is the hardest part of the whole work. I have to be so careful and delicate with each transition otherwise the story will lose its strength. The next layer is ensuring I have a crystal clear vision in my mind of the story. This includes my relationships with the other characters and their story, how and why I react to what is happening in front of me, whether or not I am revisiting my past or if I am in my reality. This layer is a continuous discovery and absolutely essential to the power that this story can behold.

You’ve been with Expressions Dance Company since 2012, first as a trainee then from 2013 as a full member of the ensemble. What do you love about performing with the company?
EDC is a beautiful company to be a part of. We are like a little family! The support is endless. I love that Natalie creates works that investigate human nature and behaviour, and of course the partnering is lots of fun!

What would you consider to be your career highlight so far?
Natalie Weir’s 7 Deadly Sins, our signature work for 2015 was an incredibly exciting production to be apart of! I felt my strongest at that time since coming back from a knee injury. So I was very excited to finally be back and 100% fit and able to rehearse and perform. Also collaborating with the Guangdong Modern Dance Company from China has been a massive highlight. Working with choreographer Xing Liang was one of the most moving and inspiring experiences I have had. His approach towards movement and creating what he does really resonated with me. It is an inward approach with an Eastern influence, which I found really calming and natural.

Are there any iconic productions you would love to tackle in the future?
We have some really exciting productions coming up that I can’t wait to be a part of!

What is the best advice or words of wisdom that anyone has given you?
Simply be yourself. The universe will not give you anything you cannot handle. You get one shot at this life, it’s YOUR responsibility to make it a good one! Breathe!

As The Weekend Edition loves to find out the best spots around town to eat, drink, shop and play, I’d love to know a few of your favourite nooks around town!
I love Farrier in New Farm, The Apo, Reverends and Chester Street Bakery in Fortitude Valley, Lefty’s in Paddington, Brew and Super Whatnot in Burnett Lane and Cowch in South Bank among many others. I love going to the markets and antique stores; West End, New Farm, Paddington, Redcliffe & many more. I also love going to the Suitcase Rummages which are often on in the city, Paddington & New Farm.

Finally, I’d love to know what inspires you?
Music. Art. People. Theatre. Family. Books. Intelligence. Athleticism. Strength. Determination. Conversations. Psychology. Nature. Improvisation. And of course dancing!

You can witness When Time Stops for yourself at QPAC’s Playhouse from May 20–28. Head to the QPAC website to score your tickets before they disappear.