First Nations dancer, choreographer, teacher and mentor Jo Clancy is teaching at VDF24 for the first time. A proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Wagana Dancers Jo lives on Darug and Gundungurra Country in the Blue Mountains. We asked her about her favourite dancer, signature move and most influential teachers...
Shout out to the teacher/instructor who influenced you most and tell us why. "Kathy Driscoll believed in me when I was a young dancer. I was painfully shy and liked to hide in the back. Kathy brought me to the front."
If you could dance with anyone past or present who would it be and why?
"I always feel my Ancestors dancing with me. I acknowledge all of the women who have come before me, who have shared their songs and dances with me and through me. If I could physically dance with someone it would be my Nan. She wasn’t allowed to dance her dances and sing her songs and I know she would be so proud that I can and do every day."
What is your signature/go-to dance move?
"I’m always in and out of the floor. A slide, a lunge, hands to the ground…"
VDF is all about community and dance friends getting together to celebrate the thing that they love and to grow together. Who are your dance friends and how do they help you grow as a dancer?
"Dance is my life. The friends I’ve made through my 50yrs of dance have been lifelong"
Why do you think dancers should come to VDF?
"VDF is offering an incredible line up of dance artists from across Australia and the world. If you love to dance, VDF will be a dream 2 days!"