How old were you when you started dancing?
"I began dancing at 3!"
Tell us about your training. Where, who with, what styles etc?
"I did predominantly ballet, RAD, until I was around 12. I began my training at a local ballet school in Ringwood, then I when was 12, I discovered JAZZ! That of course became my first love. I then started doing Saturday and weeknight classes at the Dance Factory in Richmond during my schooling.
When I graduated high school I did full-time there and was trained by amazing teachers such as Barbra Warren Smith, Kelly Akers, Cameron Mitchell and Andrew Hallsworth."
What has been your favourite professional Moment?
"I cant pin point a favourite as each job is so wonderful and unique but in terms of FUN I cant go past choreographing ‘Ja’mie Private School Girl’ with Chris Lilly."
What was your first professional job?
"My first Professional commercial job was the “Logie Awards” choreographed by Jason Coleman when I was 18 and my first professional Musical was “ How to Succeed in Business” choreographed by Kelly Akers."
What advice to can you give to young dancers/choreographers in training?
"Learn as much as you can NOW! Be as versatile as possible. Work harder on the styles and genres that you struggle in that the ones you excel in and you with thank yourself for it later! Don't compare yourself too much to those around you, remember each person is beautifully individual. Spend less time on social media and more in the STUDIO!"
What advice would you give to dancers who want to become professional?
"Advice I would like to offer to young dancers in training is to stay focused on what is going to give you longevity in this industry. Know your body well enough so you can make ANY choreographers work look good. It is great to excel in one style but in order to work full time in this industry you need to be able to cross genres easily.
Advice I would like to give young choreographers in this industry is to work on your business and production skills. Being a choreographer is more than just putting the choreography down. Clear communication and a sharp business acumen teamed with production skills are what bring you longevity.
Lastly, build good relationships and learn as much as you can from those who came before you."
What does 2019 hold for you?
"I will be travelling to Sydney the day after VDF to begin choreography for a new Musical at the Hayes Theatre, also I will be heading back to Melbourne Arena for the 2019 Victorian State School Spectacular and begin Pre production on two new musicals that I will be traveling to Europe to choreograph in 2020."
Yvette has worked on Dancing with the Stars, X Factor, Aria Awards, Asias Got Talent, In The Heights, Rock Of Ages and will teaching at VDF 2019.