In an actively creative, choreographer-led company like Sydney Dance Company, the focus is usually on the new works presented rather than the dancers themselves, a philosophy which can be traced back to the beginnings of modern dance in the early 20th century. The dancers are often working as an ensemble, without clearly defined characters or roles, and listed only as a group. In this context it takes a special on-stage presence and a striking appearance for an individual dancer to be repeatedly singled out and acclaimed by commentators and critics. Yet Natalie Allen has achieved this – at 24 years old a rising star in the non-hierarchical structure of a contemporary dance company.
With short, curly blonde hair and big green eyes, Natalie has a unique beauty that makes her as easy to recognise on stage as off. And it is more than skin deep. Meeting her after a rehearsal, the most compelling and endearing aspect of her appearance is an openness of expression and a lack of artifice or ego - thoughts and feelings flicker across her face as she speaks.
Allen started dancing a little later than most – she didn’t decide that she was going to try for a career as a dancer until around 16 years of age. However, the diversity of dance styles she studied has been crucial to her success, making her “more complex and multilayered as an artist”, as she explains.
This is an excerpt from an article on versatile dancers, comprising Natalie, Jesse Rassmussen and Stephanie Lake, in the April/May issue of Dance Australia. OUT NOW!
Natalie Allen with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Peter Grieg.
