18/03/2019
Thank you EDC x
Inside the heart of EDC Youth Ensemble facilitator and ex EDC dancer, Riannon Mclean.
We sat down to ask this incredible woman a few questions. Her answers so purely reflect her encouraging, kind and inspiring personality. Have a read young dancers, her wise words could help you on the track to becoming a strong and motivated artist.
Which one performance or personal experience do you often reflect back on?
I very clearly remember a very pivotal point in my artistry that changed over the development period of "Where the Heart Is". Natalie Weir and I often spoke about when you find the essence of a character, you know. I remember the day in the studio it happened and we both just looked at each other and said, we found her. I played the role of the mother. It was a difficult and heart wrenching role but one that I truly loved to play and portray. Every performances of "Where the Heart Is" was very special. I could feel a sense of magic within that first season.
If you could give your former 15 year old self any advice, what would it be?
Be patient with yourself and practice self-talk and motivation. Be kind to who you are and don't be in such a hurry. Work really hard and try to focus more on yourself and less about how the next person might be doing.
What is the one thing you miss from your career as a full time dancer?
I miss the day-to-day creativity of the studio and being so entrenched in the physicality and emotive connections of dance. Being part of something so incredible with so many amazing moments was truly special. I also really miss touring, I used to love it!
What's something you do regularly to look after yourself, your health and your mind?
Sleep and healthy eating is a very important part of keeping balance for myself and for my family. Time to myself is very precious these days and I find that this is something that I still need. Being able to take some time and disconnect is of huge benefit to me. Even if its only 20 minutes, it can have a great impact on my day or my week!
What other doors has dance opened up for you? and what advice would you pass on to young dancers?
I started teaching at the very beginning of my career and this is something that I have always thoroughly enjoyed. I always taught during contracts and when I was off contract this was a source of income for me. Teaching has taken me to all corners of the globe and I have also extended my teaching practice from classical and contemporary dance to pilates, Xtend barre and choreography. Teaching has helped me to become a motivator, mentor and public speaker.
There is always something to expand on and explore beyond your boundaries of the studio. There are so many creative pathways in the arts sector so I encourage you to start investigating now. Expand your knowledge on everything and anything! Read more books, watch more films, listen to more music, see more live theatre, all genres! Get to the beach and go on holidays! See this amazing world we have at our fingertips, make a list of all the places you would like to visit one day. Experience life to its fullest, it just might help you unravel a new direction or pathway.
Work on your self motivation and if there is something that interests you, start researching and start learning. I always drew costumes and I really wish I had pursued this path. I wanted to become a costume designer and makeup artist for theatre.. Perhaps I still might :)
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Image description: Headshot of female EDC youth ensemble facilitator. She has short brown hair, and she is wearing a black singlet. She is looking towards the camera and smiling.
Image credit: David Kelly
