When I was growing up, there were endless opportunities to dance: in the playground at school, at birthday parties, at friends’ homes on a Saturday morning grooving in front of MTV and of course at the dance classes I attended each week.
Dance was a big part of my life and I didn’t realise how much it gave me until the opportunities to fling my limbs around diminished in adulthood. During lockdowns, the few remaining opportunities for adults to dance (such as house parties and weddings) disappeared altogether, but it was during this time — after 10 years — I began dancing again, at home.
YouTube was an accessible resource for warmups and simple choreography and when I felt more comfortable and inspired,
I signed up to Zoom dance classes with a local studio that offers classes for adults. I felt the positive effects of dancing almost immediately; it gave me the physical, full-body release I craved and it was an instant mood booster when I needed it during the long days at home. Not only was it great for keeping me moving (in a way I actively enjoyed), but I could feel it exercising my brain and cognitive function; I had forgotten the brainpower it took to learn a new routine.
While there aren’t as many opportunities as there once were for social dancing, the internet has fuelled a sort of revival (you don’t need to go further than TikTok to discover that dancing for wellness is a fast-growing trend).
Having since emerged from lockdown, I now enjoy classes in the studio, but I still love a quick dance at home during the week. Eager to hear from an expert, I spoke to Emily Seymour, company dancer with Sydney Dance Company, to learn more about dancing for wellness and to hear her professional advice for dancing from home.
Can you tell us about your relationship with dance as a child? Did you ever expect to build a career in dance?
I started dancing at the age of three, following the footsteps of my two older sisters, Lauren and Hannah Seymour. Dance was my life growing up, from being in the studio copying my sisters and dancing in the living room, to competing on stage from the age of six.
I fell in love with ballet when I was 13, which resulted in full-time training and then moving to Houston, Texas, when I was 16. Leaving my parents, two brothers and two sisters behind was the first moment I realised this would be my career. I then spent three years in Houston Ballet and one year in the West Australian Ballet.
Now, I have never felt more at home than at Sydney Dance Company. I always knew I wanted to dance but had no idea where the path would lead.
Dance is your work, but I’m interested in understanding how you use it as a vehicle for exploring mindfulness, self-expression and even healing.
Dance is my outlet, whether I feel down, anxious, happy or inspired. I feel extremely lucky to be able to use my body as a vehicle of expression when I can’t find the words. Sometimes when I get stuck in my head, dancing and moving my body feels like a sense of release and a weight off my shoulders.
There are days when the mind and body aren’t connected, which creates tension. These days are the hardest, but most rewarding for sure. To break down that barrier and strengthen the connection between my mind, body and soul is constantly a work in progress for myself, and that is never a bad thing. Every day I aspire to grow, learn and continue to be inspired by my incredible colleagues.
Can you share your experience throughout the lockdowns? What was it like to dance at home during these times?
My experience throughout the lockdowns was interesting. Some days were harder than others, but I always had to remind myself that “this too shall pass”. I was lucky enough to have a great space to move around while at home, whether that be re-adjusting the furniture or sometimes out dancing on the front lawn in the sun. The support from everyone at Sydney Dance Company during the lockdowns was also incredible, and I feel it created a special bond between all of us dancers. I will never take dancing in the studio or on stage with my colleagues for granted again. Lockdown for me was a chance to click the reset button. To be able to spend a good amount of quality time with my family was something I am so grateful for.
Can you share some tips on how dancing at home is an instant mood booster or form of expression?
There is no better feeling, mentally and physically, than blaring some feel-good music and just moving your body. For an instant at-home mood booster, visit Sydney Dance Company’s “Classes On Demand” platform. We learnt during lockdowns that you really can dance anywhere and at any time. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, your living room, your bedroom or even your study when you are on a quick work break, there is always time for a bit of boogie from the comfort of your own home. I believe dance is for everyone and that is why I find so much joy in this art form. Put your phone down, close the laptop, play your favourite album and just dance!
Livestream classes from Sydney Dance Company
For those unable to attend live in-studio classes, Sydney Dance Company has launched a new way to dance from home with Classes Livestream. The platform brings the studio to your living room so dancers can join live classes with Sydney Dance Company’s teachers and stay connected with the dance community. Each week, 16 in-studio classes in a range of styles will be live-streamed from Sydney Dance Company.
W: sydneydancecompany.com/classes/calendar/
Groove Therapy
Groove Therapy offers online dance courses that are fun and inclusive, made specifically for people who thought it was too late to start learning. Sign up for one of their classes and learn some technical moves, foster mind-body connection and gain some impressive dance floor skills.
W: courses.groovetherapy101.com
That’s My Jam Dance
That’s My Jam is an inclusive, fun-loving community of hip-shaking women who love to dance in Byron Bay and beyond. TMJ celebrates women in all their diversity and provides a safe and connecting space to nourish and let go through the joy of music and dance.
W: thatsmyjamdance.com.au
Elisha Kennedy is a writer and editor (and full-time amateur dancer) living in Sydney.
