We’re looking forward to checking out lore at QPAC this month, what can we expect from the production?
You’ll see two very contrasting pieces but both with a strong message of hope to our future connection with land and sea. I.B.I.S shares a day in the life of Torres Strait Islanders circulating around an island’s local store. It celebrates the community’s connection with its environment. Sheoak explores the challenges of a modern world and that despite our changing environment, there’s still hope for us to reawaken ourselves and reconnect with the environment around us.

You and fellow choreographer Waangenga Blanco both drew on personal experiences to craft I.B.I.S, what can you tell us about the themes of the work?
Our ambition with this piece ultimately was to celebrate Torres Strait culture, not only as a culture of its songs, dances and storytelling, but also of resilience. I.B.I.S brings community together and no matter whether you’re a Torres Strait Islander brought up in community or on the mainland, there’s always an unbreakable bond. We also touch on the theme of climate change. When Waangenga and I visited Mer Island last year, we could see a change in sea life from 2008. The community has spoken of rising sea levels and is slowly moving from homes along the shore to higher up the hill. There’s such a strong sense of pride, identity and sustainability for where they live, a connection to land and sea, that some will stay with the island until it’s gone, rather than flee.

What do you hope the audience will learn, feel or take away from the experience?
I hope that audiences will walk out feeling joy and a connection to the people and land we’re representing. That they take away some of the little idiosyncrasies that makes us Torres Strait Islanders. I want the audience to feel like they’ve come to visit and are welcome to join the community.

This is your first live dance theatre work for Bangarra Dance Theatre, what were your biggest challenges?
Believing in myself. To not be so judgmental by the calls I make. Waangenga was a great partner through the process because he challenged me to forget about my insecurities and go with my heart.

And the greatest rewards?
The collaboration. To have a group of dancers who want to be on board to tell this story. The magic that gets created in the studio and you all discover it together for the first time; it’s exciting. I found it highly rewarding to work with the designers too. Working with Steve Francis, our composer, was a particular highlight. The collaboration with Peggy Misi, a former Bangarra dancer and her partner Will was magic too. I’ve learnt more words in the traditional tongue of Ka La Lagau Ya. On top of that, to have Pinau Ghee and Betty Tikihika teach us Meriam song and dance – it really is the most uplifting point for me in I.B.I.S.

You launched the world-premiere season at the Sydney Opera House before touring the show to Canberra and Wollongong, what’s the feedback been like so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Family, friends and strangers across the board have spoken about how uplifted they feel after watching I.B.I.S. A pure sense of joy. I couldn’t be happier with that response, as the Torres Strait culture is positively contagious and draws you in for such a spirited journey!

Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrated its 25th anniversary season last year, what do you admire about the company?
I admire the voice that Bangarra has. It breaks barriers and evokes this connection with audience members unlike anywhere else. To be this bridge between ancient and modern is unique. It’s a company that has countless stories to share and the imagery that each show produces is of beauty and strength. Really, it’s quite a courageous company to help broaden knowledge amongst the masses.

You’ve earned some incredible accolades during your career, such as the Helpmann Award for Best Female Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production in 2013. For those of us who don’t possess the gift of dance, can you describe how you feel when you’re on stage?
It’s always the safest place for me. It’s therapeutic. Despite what has shaken me personally or what I’ve read in the media, that small window of time when I’m on stage I feel like I’m making a difference. I can feel so helpless outside of dance but I know that by performing, I’m not only helping myself but I’m also connecting with someone beyond the fourth wall. Sharing the stage with others is a sensation like no other. The energy and the camaraderie shared can be highly fulfilling.

You took a sabbatical away from dance last year. What made you want to leave, and return?
It was more of a soul searching year. A time to reset and challenge what else I could be capable of. It was a chance to slow down and test where I could step to next post dance.

What inspires you?
The more I think about this, I realise that so much inspires me. Primarily, it’s my parents. They’ve taught me to embrace diversity. They’re both very intelligent yet very humble. Both are great storytellers – Mum with her singing and dancing around the home and Dad with his witty Scottish humour and writing. I love how the world is so colourful. I love all the diverse cultures out there, especially when you see people of different backgrounds connecting. Heading to see a great film inspires me too. I find movie-going a great way to learn and connect with more outside of my own little planet.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Relax … by the beach or a good yoga session at Power Living in Sydney.
Dine … I like trying new places – good food and good company always makes the night special.
Indulge … Gelato Messina. I always circulate between the same three flavours of chocolate, mango and passionfruit. I’m a girl of simple tastes.
Be inspired … the theatre, my favourite Palace or Dendy cinema watching a great movie or over an amazing lunch with friends.