A week with the Dream Creative Oz

Written by Harry Semmler

Hey I'm Harry!

My day would start bright and early, waking up at 6:00 AM to ensure I was out the door and in the city by 7:45 AM. From there, I would catch the train from North Melbourne to Spotswood, the location of "The Dance Company". This became my weekday routine, and although it was tiring at times, the excitement and energy of dancing each day made it worthwhile.

Our dance sessions were scheduled from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, followed by a short break from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. After that, we would jump straight back into classes from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. The days were physically demanding and mentally intense, but incredibly rewarding. Each class challenged me in different ways and helped push me out of my comfort zone.

Denzel Mahusay & Xavia

Throughout the program, we had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented choreographers. Shannon Atkins and Eva Chapelle taught lyrical and contemporary pieces, both offering unique approaches that helped us connect emotionally with movement and grow as performers. For hip-hop, we trained with Denzel Mahusay and Xavia, who brought such vibrant energy to the room. Their sessions were fast-paced, fun, and full of challenging grooves that pushed us to step out of our comfort zones. We also got to work with Cat Santos, who taught a commercial jazz piece. Her style was powerful, precise, and performance-driven.

Making meaningful connections

One of the greatest challenges I faced was going into the experience without knowing anyone. Walking into a room full of strangers was intimidating at first, especially in an environment where everyone was so talented. However, this challenge ended up being one of the most valuable parts of the experience. It forced me to be open, step out of my shell, and connect with others through the shared language of dance. By the end of the program, I had made meaningful connections and felt a true sense of community.

Marko Panzic and I

It’s difficult to single out just one moment, but if I had to choose, performing everything we had learned throughout the week in front of our friends and family definitely stands out as one of the highlights. There was something incredibly special about showcasing our progress and hard work to the people who matter most, it brought a real sense of pride and accomplishment.

Cat Santos

I also realised how well my body was handling the physical demands. I had been nervous beforehand about how I would cope with the intensity of daily training, but I was pleasantly surprised. I made sure I was looking after myself each day, eating the right foods to fuel my body, staying hydrated, and taking Radox baths at night to relax my muscles. I woke up each morning sore but ready, and I ended each day feeling proud of how I’d performed.

This entire experience was unforgettable. It taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of looking after both my physical and mental wellbeing. I grew not just as a dancer, but as a person.