At home with the Dashwoods
Out of this family of five siblings, four are dance professionals, and mum is a dance teacher! Belle Beasley finds out what life is like at home.
It’s no secret that for many dancers, quality family time can be a rare occurrence. Classes, rehearsals and shows often take precedence, while family occasions fall to the wayside. However, striking a balance between career and family is not impossible – just ask the Dashwoods. In spite of intensely busy schedules and conflicting geographies spread across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and London, this family of dancers is making it work.
At the helm is mum, Andie Dashwood, a Melbourne-based classical ballet coach working with the En Pointe School of Ballet and Scimm Dance Company. Originally from Queensland, Andie had her first encounters with ballet as a child in the Queensland Ballet’s productions of Cinderella, where she recalls being inspired by the company teachers and dancers. Now, Andie strives to create a supportive and compassionate atmosphere with her five children, of whom four are working in the dance industry. “I love that we are always connected, even when we are not together. We are a very close family and always make time to support and celebrate each other.”
“We are all weird and unique in our own ways,” says Sam, the eldest Dashwood, who is Head of Open Programs and Learning at Sydney Dance Company. “We all live in different places, but when we can come together the time is so special. Dad is always encouraging us to make the most of every moment we spend together, always saying ‘we don’t do this very often’.” . . .
Read this article and many more in the latest print issue of Dance Australia. Find out more here.