Frances Rings is artist-in-residence with Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Tell me about your ancestry.
I am a descendant of the Kokatha Tribe from the west coast of South Australia. I am also of German descent.
What was your childhood like?
A country upbringing that gave me a sense of freedom – I remember the vast landscape, the climate and my surroundings in the country.
What is your earliest memory of dance?
Young Talent Time on television. I knew I wanted to dance!
Was there a performance you saw that changed your life?
The musical CATS at the Theatre Royal in Sydney, which I saw with my dance class when I was 16.
As a choreographer, who has been your greatest influence?
Undoubtedly Stephen Page, the artistic director at Bangarra. He is such a visionary and changed the way we looked at indigenous dance. He encouraged and nurtured me and still does today.
What do you admire about your dancers?
The trust that they give me, and their ability to surrender to the story – I admire that they are brave enough to go beyond the boundaries. I always have a close and intimate relationship with the dancers, and from that comes this all-important trust!
What book are you reading at the moment?
Baby Love.
What do you like about yourself?
My work ethic, and my ability to accept all situations. My baby has changed my life and I can now adapt to different circumstances. My earlier transient life has allowed me to adapt easily to different lifestyles. I am also a really good Mum.
What annoys you about yourself?
I tend to be pedantic and a perfectionist.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I believe strongly in pranayama – yoga breathing.
What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?
Artistic blocks – when nothing seems to be able to go forward and I have these mental blocks. Fortunately these don’t happen very often.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
When magic happens, either in rehearsals or performances when everything comes together and you know you are on the right path, you achieve a sense of clarity.
What makes you sad?
Cultural insensitivities and ignorance.
If you had your life over again, what would you do differently?
I would have been a mother earlier; it is without doubt my greatest achievement. As a performer, I would have liked to have worked more with other Australian-based choreographers and dance companies.
What would your life be like without dance?
I cannot imagine life without dance; it is my main creative outlet. It heals me and is a place to find my true identity. Without dance I would not have been able to access my own indigenous culture.
What is your pet hate?
Tarquette floor burns!
What is the best venue you have ever performed in?
The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. However, nothing beats the atmosphere of performing on the back of a semi-trailer in a small indigenous community in outback Australia – that is the best venue for me.
What have you found most difficult in making the transition from dancer to choreographer?
Letting go of being on stage and the sacrifices you make to perform. The ego does not want to let go. Otherwise it has been an easy and natural progression.
What occupation would be furthest from your true nature?
A full-time desk job. I cannot imagine sitting in front of a computer all day, I’d get cabin fever.
