The name Matt Lee is one well known both nationally and internationally in the dance and musical world. We all remember him as a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Australia amongst many of his other projects. Matt has just returned to Australia from travelling the UK in his Helpmann Award-winning role as Bert in Mary Poppins the Musical. The Motion Capture Artist for the lovable Mumble from Happy Feet, Matt Lee has a huge list of impressive stage credits including, Singin’ in the Rain, Miss Saigon, The Boy from Oz alongside Hugh Jackman, We Will Rock You, The Witches of Eastwick, Rent, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Grease the Arena Spectacular, Oh! What A Night…and the list goes on.
Film credits include Happy Feet and Happy Feet 2, Scooby Doo and playing Johnno in Bootmen.
Matt has choreographed for pop legends like Paula Abdul, Ricky Martin, Timomatic, Sister2Sister, Nathaniel Willemse and Hilary Duff, and for shows like Australia’s Got Talent, The Voice, The Logies and Australian Idol.
Now Matt will be at VDF for the very first time, thanks to Capezio both as an instructor and speaker at our VDF Teachers Vitality Day!
What has been one of your favourite projects and why?
"One of my favourite projects to date was having the opportunity to be a Judge/Choreographer on the Logie winning So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Being a part of a program that put dancers in the spotlight and catapult them to international success was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will be forever grateful for."
My one piece of advice to aid a career in dance is..
"Be the greatest sponge you can be. Dance is forever evolving and progressing. Don’t ever forget the basics and origins of dance, but don't get left behind."
Finish this sentence… “Dance Teachers are…”
"…there to inspire. One of my favourite dance quotes is ’The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
Outside of dance I love to…
"Cook! I’m no Masterchef, but I find cooking very therapeutic and an exciting challenge."
If your life was turned into a musical what would it be called?
"Matt in the Hat - his life, love and tap shoes."
What are you most excited about at VDF 2019?
"It's been nearly a decade since I’ve taught in Victoria. I’m exited to see all the talent that has developed and flourished over the past 10 years."