Natalie Weir
Artistic Director
Q. What’s your link to Townsville?
I was born in Townsville. I went to Currajong State School and then Townsville Grammar. I made friends I’m still connected to today – those early friendships are so potent – and I studied ballet at the Ann Roberts School of Dance. I left Townsville when I was 16 to study dance at QUT in Brisbane.
Q. Where are you now?
I’m the Artistic Director of Expressions Dance Company in Brisbane. I began choreographing professionally at 18 and created ballets all over the world before I became Artistic Director.
Q. What project are you currently working on?
I’m creating a work called Everyday Requiem for Expressions Dance Company. This also involves six singers from The Australian Voices. This will be my last creation as Artistic Director of Expressions Dance Company as I’ve decided, after 10 years, it’s time to hand over the reins to a new AD. I’m excited about the future and what might be next.
Q. How did your time in Townsville set you up for success?
My mother took me to ballet lessons when I was just five. My ballet teacher, Ann Roberts, taught me that dance was not about technique – it was about what you had to share with your audience. I always remember that. During high school, the arts were very important also and we did many performances that gave me the opportunity to dance and choreograph. Being a member of the North Queensland Ballet Company also gave me opportunities to work with many different choreographers.
Q. Do you still come ‘home’ to Townsville to visit?
My parents, sister and aunty are still in Townsville, so I have a lifelong link. I come to Townsville a lot to visit my family and I love coming back.
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expressionsdancecompany.org.au/edc/