We speak with Evie Ferris, the second Indigenous Australian to dance with the Australian Ballet, and the first Indigenous Australian to be a member of The Wiggles.
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Today we’re speaking with the quite incredible Evie Ferris. Evie was born in Cairns in far north Queensland, and she's a proud Taribelang and Djabugay woman. Growing up, Evie danced alongside her sister, a talent so bright that by the age of 12, her family, including two of her five siblings were moving south to Melbourne. She joined the Australian Ballet School, and on graduation was accepted straight into the company. She's only the second Indigenous Australian to ever join the Australian Ballet. But this isn't the end of Evie's glorious story. In this wondrous interview, Evie described her life in dance, about finding her voice and about the pride but also the pressure that comes with being an Indigenous dancer. We also talk about the moment she met “Blue Wiggle” Anthony Field in a Sydney Opera House Green Room, and how she went on to become the first Indigenous Australian to become both a ballerina and a member of the Wiggles.
Evie continues to split her time touring and dancing with both the Australian Ballet and The Wiggles. For Australian Ballet Performances tickets and times, head to australianballet.com.au, or you'll find them on Instagram #AusBallet. For The Wiggle shows and tour dates, head to the wiggles.com, or find them on Instagram @thewiggles. And to follow all of Evie's adventures, find her on Instagram @evieferris. Evie and I recorded our conversation remotely, with Evie dialing in from Melbourne on the land of the Kulin people. Talking Pointes is recorded and produced on Awabakal and Gadigal lands, to the owners of all these lands we pay our greatest respects. Talking Pointes is produced by Fjord Review. Remember to subscribe to get the latest episodes as soon as they're released. And if you like us, please leave a five star review. Your host and producer is me, Claudia Lawson, with additional production by Penelope Ford and Clint Topic. Sound production and editing is by Martin Peralta at Output Media. And for the latest in all things dance, head to fjordreview.com.
We are thrilled to be sponsored by Energetiks. Energetiks specialise in creating sustainable, world class dancewear for the stars Energetiks is offering Talking Pointes listeners a 20% discount [available until the end of March 2024]. Listen for the code in the episode. Shop their extensive range online at energetiks.com.au or energetiks.com if you’re listening from the US. T&Cs APPLY. @energetiks @energetiksusa
Claudia Lawson
Claudia Lawson is a dance critic based in Sydney, Australia, writing regularly for ABC Radio National, ABC Arts, and Fjord Review. After graduating with degrees in Law and Forensic Science, Claudia worked as a media lawyer for the ABC, FOXTEL and the BBC in London, where she also co-founded Street Sessions dance company. Returning to Sydney, Claudia studied medicine and now works as a doctor. She is the host of the award-winning Talking Pointes Podcast.
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