New Year's Resolutions From The Energetiks Dancers

We’re not sure where 2018 has gone, but we’re fast approaching another New Year’s Eve and the start of 2019. We’ve loved spending our year surrounded by talented dancers, especially on photoshoots and at events around Australia, where we really get to see them in their element! We’ve had a chat to some of the amazing dancers we’ve worked with throughout the year about the highlights of their year, their hopes and resolutions for the next, and some words of wisdom to all the up-and-coming dancers out there. From everyone at Energetiks, we wish you a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

Mackenzie Duffy

Highlight of 2018: My highlight this year has been moving to Brittany Flask’s Dance Nation Academy and training with amazing teachers. I’ve grown so much as a dancer this year, my teachers have pushed me and it is paying off. Also modelling for Energetiks! It’s been a dream come true to see my photos on display at the Energetiks stores and VDF.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I’m most excited about VDF in 2019. It is my favourite weekend of every year. I love being surrounded by amazing dancers and I learn so much from the choreographers who teach at VDF. Plus the atmosphere is always amazing and everyone is so supportive of each other. My New Year’s resolution is to focus on my flexibility and stretching more.

Advice for dancers in training: My advice to other dancers in training is to never compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone is different and has different strengths, focus on what you want to achieve and work hard. I always like to look back at myself six months ago and compare where I’m at to where I was then, I think that’s the best motivation to keep improving.

Lukas White

Luke wears the Brayden Tank and Urban Short

Highlight of 2018: Being a part of Lion Heart Dance Company’s show titled ‘ENVISION’.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: 2019 will bring many new creative journeys through dance and movement in unconventional spaces. My New Year’s resolution is to be kind to my body. We only have one.

Advice for dancers in training: Keep pushing but also know your limits. Also, keep playing, dance is supposed to be fun. Find new ways to make it fun by exploring movement through textures and sound and even the empty space in the music.

Paris Brooke

Highlight of 2018: The highlight of my year was being asked to be a part of the Energetiks campaign for the Kaleidoscope Collection and the Stardust Collection. Both shoots were so much fun, made even more so being with my two best friends from dancing.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I’m really looking forward to starting some new solos like a new demi-character and a new contemporary. I’m also hoping to compete in a jazz championship. My New Year’s resolution is to continue to stretch more consistently, and work on my left leg flexibility now that I’ve recovered from a minor hip injury.

Advice for dancers in training: Listen to your teachers, work hard, always try your best and remember to stretch afterwards. But above all else, enjoy what you’re doing and have fun!

Alexandra McMaster

Highlight of 2018: A big highlight for me this year was publishing my first eBook, A Dancer’s Guide To Plant-Based Eating. It’s something that’s always been at the back of my mind, but the opportunity to sit down and do it never seemed right, simply because of my busy workload. Finally in January 2018, I put my words to paper to produce recipes and information on plant-based nutrition, with the process taking 10 months.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: This year I’ve had some wonderful opportunities and mentors, however I’m now most excited to take my career into my own hands and make decisions that feel right to me. I’m not saying that I’m not going to listen to my director, ballet masters and mistresses, but I want to listen to my intuition. Who understands you better than you? I never really sit down and decide what my New Year’s resolution for the year will be. I’m one of those people who constantly analyse situations and myself (in a good way) and enjoy looking for ways to build as a person and artist.

Advice for dancers in training: It’s normal for young dancers to want to reach the top as quick as possible and in order to do so, a lot of young dancers will move away from home. I realise there is a time when you have to make the leap, but I think having another year at home can be highly beneficial and ensure a smoother road to success. Some factors you want to think about include maturity, the ability to cook, clean and perform everyday adult tasks.

Zoe Cavedon

Zoe wears the Coda Collection, arriving January 2019

Highlight of 2018: Definitely performing! Earlier this year I had the privilege to dance in Frederick Ashton’s The Dream with the Sarasota Ballet and more recently performed a new ballet Sinbad the Sailor by Tim Podesta. It was amazing sharing the stage with Marlon Dino and Kristy Lee Denovan, together bringing new roles to life.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: Experiencing new places through dance. In 2019 I am looking forward to travelling to different cities here and overseas to perform in different galas alongside brilliant dancers. My resolution is to experience new forms of art through live performances!

Advice for dancers in training: Take the time you need to become the dancer you want to be. In such a fast paced society it’s easy to caught get up in the need to advance quickly. Your training is such a special time, and it is so rewarding to look back at the process of hard work and time you spent to get where you want to be.

Louis McMiller

Louis wears the Oakley Legging in SilverPhoto credit: Alex Fine — Louis wears the Oakley Legging in Silver
Photo credit: Alex Fine

Highlight of 2018: The collaboration I was involved in between Studio Wayne McGregor and COS. We were showcasing “Soma”, a capsule collection of essential menswear garments at Pitti Uomo in Florence, and the event was choreographed by Wayne McGregor. It was in the most beautiful location and the team were all amazing!

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: At the beginning of December, I made the choice to take a break from dancing and touring, as I have done extensively for the past eight and a half years. It was a big decision to make, but one I know will be have a positive impact on my life and enable me to do some of the other things I have wanted to do. I feel so fortunate to have met so many people during my career do far and to have such incredible people in the dance world who believe in me. As for a New Year’s resolution… I'll need to think of one and get back to you! My last resolution was to become Vegan with a friend and it was only supposed to be for January… eleven months later, I’m still going strong (and happy!).

Advice for dancers in training: Never give up, even when it feels like the end! There is something out there for you and anything that takes hard work always feels more rewarding!

Tess Hanna

Tess wears the Serena Crop Top from the Kaleidoscope Collection

Highlight of 2018: The highlight of my year was probably getting to model for Energetiks! I was so excited when I found out, it was a dream come true!

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I’m really excited for summer because I love jumping in the pool or going to the beach with my friends. My New Year’s resolution is to practice my dancing and improve monthly.

Advice for dancers in training: No matter how hard things get, never give up! Always keep a positive mindset.

Jack Hersee

Jack wears the Coda Collection, arriving January 2019

Highlight of 2018: My highlight was deciding to move back to Sydney from the Gold Coast.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I’m excited to be doing my Barre teacher training at Exhale in the USA. My resolution is to spend more time being in the moment.

Advice for dancers in training: My best advice is to have fun! I often look back on my career and I spent so much time being serious and actually missed out on a lot of the joy. Don't make this mistake!

Dara Martin

Dara wears the Cat Dance Tank and Alex Track Pant

Highlight of 2018: The highlight of my year was performing in Tim Harbour’s Romeo + Juliet, it was an amazing experience and my sixth and final performance with my VCASS family!

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: What I’m most excited for in 2019 is moving to Belgium to continue my training at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp; I can’t wait for this new journey. My New Year’s resolution is to live in the present and take every day as an opportunity to work hard and improve myself.

Advice for dancers in training: The best piece of advice I’d give to dancers is to run your own race and to allow yourself some time off to rest and recover, so you’re ready for all that 2019 has to offer!

Ella McMillan

Ella is wearing the Chanel Crop from the Kaleidoscope Collection

Highlight of 2018: The highlight of my year was completing my Cecchetti Advanced 1 exam which I have been working towards for two years now. I was very happy with my results and it was a massive relief once it was all over. Now I’m working hard on Advanced 2.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I am very excited for VDF 2019. I look forward to it every year and it is always one of my highlights. I’m also excited for the summer holidays as it is a good time to relax and take a break from dancing. My resolution is to continue working hard in the studio to keep improving my technique, but to also think a bit more seriously about where I want to go in the future.

Advice for dancers in training: Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses so work to improve on yourself.

Portia Talib

Portia is wearing the Delta Hoodie and Bailey 7/8 Legging from the Paradise Collection

Highlight of 2018: The highlight of my year was definitely working with Energetiks, it has opened up so many amazing opportunities and also introduced me to modelling which I am forever grateful for. I also absolutely loved going to VDF, it left me so inspired and it’s something I will always remember.

Hopes and resolutions for 2019: I’m excited to focus on doing lots more modelling and dancing and to start year 11! I have a few resolutions; to stay in the present and to not think too far ahead into the future; to believe in myself more and to stop doubting myself. Oh! And to stop procrastinating 😂

Advice for dancers in training: Be focused and consistent. Hard work pays off and it shows. Also don’t skip ballet, even if it’s not your favourite! It’s the foundation for most styles of dance.