How old were you when you started dancing?
"I started dancing jazz when I was 3 years old."
Tell us about your training. Where, who with, what styles etc?
"I trained on the Gold Coast in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Singing & Ballroom. I started with Peta McKenney at Simon Gallagher’s then Strawberry Road under Debra Beunan. I then trained from the age 10-17yrs old with the amazing Robert Sturrock."
What was your first professional job?
"My first professional job was a big Hyundai convention at the age of 14 for William A Forsythe on the Gold Coast."
What has been a favourite on stage or professional moment?
"I have many however performing the lead dancer role in CARMEN on Sydney Harbour was a very special moment. The city lights and iconic skyline were the backdrop among nightly fireworks. It was truly special."
What do you wish you had known as a young dancer that you know now as a professional, or what advice to can you give to young dancers in training?
"Now that I sit on a variety of audition panels, I wish I could tell my younger self not to compare myself with anyone else. If you can be the best version of yourself and have put in the hard work. The rest is out of your hands. You are either right for the job or not. Prepare, work hard and then go in and enjoy the process and just do your best."
What advice would you give to dancers who want to become professional?
"I have ALWAYS said... go to CLASS and keep training. And train in ALL styles. The one style you’re not amazing at will end up being the one you’re called for on a job and you wish you had done more. Versatility makes you employable. Also, have a good work ethic."
What does 2019 hold for you?
"2019 is going to be a busy year. I have a few longer choreographic contracts coming up as well as workshops and travel."
Kate was Associate Head of Choreography for the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She was the lead motion capture performer for Happy Feet 1 and choreographer & lead motion capture performer for Happy Feet 2. She was assistant choreographer and performer on DORA the Explorer Feature Film. Has been a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance, worked for The Voice, Xfactor, Dance Boss, Arias, Logies, AGT, IMT, Dancing with the Stars and 4th Islamic Solidarity Games Baku- HOPE segment. Kate will be teaching and will teaching at VDF 2019, don't miss her class!