RC: Who inspired you to take up dancing and music in your younger years? ED: My father, Christopher was one of the founding members of a station called 4MBS Classic FM. Every Saturday morning, when I was about 3 or 4, he would go on air as one of the radio announcers and I’d listen intently at home and try to talk to him through the speakers. Of course, he never heard me (he he). But, being around music from such a young age sparked something deep within me. If I wasn’t playing music, I was dancing. I loved to move and to feel the rhythm of life flow through me. It’s such a natural and inherent thing for me.
RC: Tell us about your first-ever on-stage appearance…
ED: To be honest, I’m sure I was far too young to remember the very first time!! I started learning ballet at the age of 2 and began at a music school at the age of 3. I’d guess that I would have been amongst a large group of obnoxious yet stupidly cute toddlers playing the recorder (badly)…
RC: The last time you were in Adelaide, you performed as part of The Wheel of Frank Confession at the 2010 Adelaide Fringe. How does performing your solo show ‘Stripped’ compare to performing as part of quartet?
ED: When you are performing as part of a group, you tend to feel supported at all times (that is, if they are awesome like my group were!). When you are solo, it’s all up to you! So in that regard, it can be quite high pressure. Having said that, I love the musical freedom you have as a soloist. If I feel like drawing a phrase out…I will! If I accidentally skip a verse…that’s ok! ha ha. I’ve learnt so much about myself as a performer through “STRIPPED” and I feel I’m one step closer to achieving some of my performance goals. When you strip back to the bare essentials it’s either make or break. It’s my aim to be able to command a stage, even in stillness. I continue to work towards that.
ED: Everything and anything. This particular album is like a therapy session! Each song has it’s own personal story.
RC: On your most recent blog entry, I noticed that you’re ‘ [keeping] open to possibilities after “Cabaret” ‘. Where would you like to see yourself next – perhaps returning to ballet?
ED: Oh god no!!! My bum is too big (or so they tell me!). To tell you the truth, I was never much of a dancer! It breaks my heart to say that, but it’s true. I would love to continue some physical-theatre and actor training to keep “topping up” my performance skills. I feel that this has been an integral part of my development. I’d also like to tour overseas and take some time out to reflect and ponder before I launch in to any new projects or albums. It’s a bit exciting, really. I feel like I’ve got a creative volcano bubbling away inside of me.
A review of Dean’s show will be posted here on Adelaide ArtBeat shortly…
We're on hiatus until January 2014. @RubinaCarlson + @nwynn + the team will return w/ renewed enthusiasm + lots of energy + life experience! 3 months ago
