We caught up with NAISDA alumni Nadia Martich to find about her life after NAISDA and her current studies at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of performing Arts).
Nadia started studying at NAISDA in 2012 and received the Chairman’s Award at this year’s 2015 Graduation Ceremony, where she graduated from the Diploma program.
What were your favourite classes and were there any teachers that particularly inspired you?
My favourite class was Contemporary.
All of my NAISDA teachers inspired me in different ways, if I had to name each personally you would see the whole staff body mentioned.
What was your most memorable experience during your studies at NAISDA and why?
Cultural residency to both Dhambala and Moa Island will stay in my mind for years to come. Being on country and learning the songs and dances from those communities is a very special experience. We were completely accepted and taken in by the families.
I also loved performing in NAISDA’s end of year productions which were a major highlight of the year. It was where the joy for performing is completely cemented and the years’ hard work pays off.
What did you go on to do after graduating and how has your time at NAISDA helped to pave where you are now?
In my final year of NAISDA I auditioned for WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of performing Arts) and was successful in gaining a place in the contemporary streamed course ‘Bachelor of Arts Dance’. My four years at NAISDA helped me to build my own strong sense of identity which has been integral to me as an artist.
What would you consider to be the main difference between NAISDA and WAAPA?
There are quite a few differences between the two; most of the dancers have been dancing since they were tiny, some even 3. Where as at NAISDA a lot of the dancers start late like myself. So the level of experience is much higher.
There are also live accompanists for each class; pianists in ballet and percussionists in contemporary.
Also as WAAPA is not just dance you see the actors and musicians and musical theatre students around the building, it’s like fame!
If you could sum up your experience at NAISDA in three words, how would you do it?
building strong identity
Do you have any words of wisdom for NAISDA’s current Developing Artists or those who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts industry?
Work hard and don’t be complacent, there’s absolutely no room for complacency in this industry and although it can be easy to fall into habits you just have to realize when you are and change your attitude and continue to work harder.
Also always remember why you chose to dance, why you love it, that feeling you get when you’re on stage and let that be the reminder you need when you’re having a bad day, your muscles are sore and you’re tired, you miss home and the class exercises just aren’t making sense. Let that be the force to drive you, because once you’ve pushed through you become a much stronger person and dancer.