This International Dance Day, we’re highlighting the people who bring our training to life – leading the work in the studio and supporting the next generation of artists every day.
Jasmin Sheppard is a Tagalaka Aboriginal woman with Irish, Chinese and Hungarian ancestry. A contemporary dancer, choreographer, director and NAISDA Dance Practice Lead, Jasmin is central to delivering dance across the curriculum.
International Dance Day is a global moment to reflect on the role of dance. What does it mean to you?
I see dance as special and vital, as it is a way to understand the world around us without needing to use words, it gives moments to be moved and spoken to in ways that sit within our cells.
What does your role as Dance Practice Lead involve?
My role involves designing and implementing a dance course which both equips our young people with industry readiness, and the knowledge that their contribution as Blak voices is both powerful and essential in whatever they do.
What attracted you to NAISDA as a place to work?
I am a NAISDA Alum, and being in this role was an opportunity to return to the beginning of what catapulted me into my career as a dancer and choreographer.
What’s something about NAISDA that people might not expect?
That we not only place importance on contemporary dance, but also centre dance styles from other non-western dance forms, such as Breaking and HipHop, and also place great emphasis on creative arts practice, critical thinking, and First Peoples socio-political history.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by Country, always. My two sons inspire me to keep creativity at the core of what I do, My co-dance Lead Katina Olsen. I am inspired by so many things, from books, poetry, to other dance and artists who I collaborate with in my work.
Can you share a NAISDA moment that’s stayed with you?
The friends/sistergirls I have made during my time at NAISDA.
What excites you about what’s ahead?
I’m excited to see what the next generation bring to First Nations dance and creative practice. I’m excited to bring my work in collaboration with ADT and S.Shakthidharan ‘Two Blood’ to NSW this August.
In three words, how would you describe NAISDA?
Too Absolutely Deadly!