Alex Carson. Photos: Supplied.
From one of Canberra’s largest studios; Dance Central in Phillip, to dancing professionally in Los Angeles, touring with the legendary Janet Jackson and sharing the stage with many huge artists including Pharrell, Rihanna and Cardi B most recently at Coachella plus appearing in a video clip for a Jennifer Lopez smash hit. That has been the journey so far for local dancer Alex Carson.
“My life growing up in Canberra was actually amazing! I lived in Belconnen and went to Lyneham High, later advancing to Hawker College. Both were great schools for me being so fond of the arts.”
“My favourite place to be however was Dance Central. Even though there were plenty of dance options on the North side, for some reason I was drawn to the South pretty much every day. It was definitely my second home, there was always space there to create, work, learn…. even sleep! I would literally bus all the way from Belconnen or School just to be in the studio. Then once I got a car, it was game over. I was definitely in the studio more than I was ever at home,” shared Alex from her home in L.A.
As a huge influence in her dance style and career, Alex revealed her favourite classes and memories of her time training with Dance Central. “It’d definitely be hard to just choose one favourite class. But I’d say my favourite style was hip-hop. I always loved doing commercial choreography classes but also had a soft spot for my basics like popping, locking and break.”
“My fondest memory was definitely the day our crew qualified for the World Hip-Hop championships! It was such a major triumph for us and truly made all other goals seem so much more achievable. We were the first crew from Canberra to ever qualify for the championships which was a huge dream come true for a bunch of teens that used to watch Worlds online religiously!”
“I’ve been dancing for about 15 years now, but professionally I’m coming into my third year.” Her career highlight to date she said is, “JANET JACKSON!!! Every opportunity to dance for Janet still blows my mind. It will forever be the highlight of my career.”
As for Alex’s plans for the future, she said: “I’m not really one to plan too far ahead. I more so just have goals that I work towards. I have high hopes of continuing to travel for dance and work with amazing artists. Super Bowl is definitely on the bucket list! And I’m also hoping to start to curate a program back home to share my industry experience with aspiring dancers in Australia.”
With such a dazzling overseas career, Alex shared there is still plenty she misses about life in Canberra. “Funnily enough, I actually miss a lot about home. I miss my family immensely every day. I miss the drive along the parkway from the North-South side. I miss the multicultural festival, seeing hot air balloons in the early morning, and teaching too! Little things, but all things that make Canberra home. Oh, and good coffee too!!”
To find out more about Dance Central which has recently opened up two new studios and offers classes in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz Funk, Lyrical, Funk Tap, and Acrobatics, visit the website.
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