Click on the link below to meet Nadiah and see a class in action!
Like most daughters, Nadiah’s mother insisted that she participate in Ballet classes. She drove her to class every Saturday morning, however all she did, was sit in the corner and sulk! What a turn around!
Nadiah relocated to Brisbane from Malaysia in 2005 to continue dancing and further her studies at University. She diligently attended classes at every opportunity, nearly forfeiting her degree in the process. In 2008, Amelia Lynch introduced Dancehall to MDH, that is when Nadiah discovered her true niche. She competed in the Brisbane Dancehall Queen competition and flew to Sydney to represent Brisbane in the national finals. She was crowned Dancehall Queen of Australia. Since then she has performed at various events and conducts Dancehall workshops. She recently taught at Island Vibe Festival.
Nadiah’s style has scored her many a position dancing as a podium dancer at many Brisbane and Gold Coast Night Clubs. was also offered her very first position as a freestyle podium dancer with the Family Nightclub.
Nadiah has a ‘Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Marine Biology’ degree however is satisfied to focus on building her career as a performance artist instead. In 2010, she immersed herself completely by undertaking the year long Professional Performers Course offered by the Raw Dance Company. As a result, Nadiah has extensive training in Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop, Technical Jazz, Funk Tap, Afro Jazz, Samba, Ballet, Acrobatics and many more. She has also extended her skills into circus arts where her apparatus of choice are the Lyra, Static Trapeze and Silks.
- What do you love about teaching?
On a whole, I love the fact that I am able to share my current skills, knowledge and style with both experienced and inexperienced dancers. Although many may not realize, I love that I also learn new things and that my students inspire me just as much as I (hope) to inspire them. Teaching a bunch of enthusiastic, fun, supportive and hardworking students like I currently have never fails to be a highlight of my week! I love you guys!
- How would you describe your style?
It’s wild, energetic, raw and athletic! My adaptation of Dancehall is loosely influenced by a variety of other street dance styles and blended with elements of african movement.
- What can people expect in your class?
My classes are always fun and more often than not, my regulars can vouch for me and say you will get a laugh out of my brain farts because I utter total gibberish especially when I’ve had some coffee, you get to witness Nadiah on Fast Forward! If some days you’re feeling particularly fitness minded, you can still come along to class because I guarantee you will be sweating and your legs will be burning.
Besides technique and drills, you will also learn a choreographed routine that is taught over 2 weeks. You will not only learn about my style in the physical sense but also musically, you will get to listen to a variety of Dancehall and Dancehall inspired music from around the world!
Most importantly, you will get an insight as to how I perceive and interpret Dance – the ability to listen to a song, a rhythm, a sound or a beat; let it speak to you and allow your body to interpret what you hear creating a series of movements that defines nobody else but YOU! I am very passionate about teaching people how to DANCE and FREESTYLE through finding their own individuality, not only how to FOLLOW and pick up CHOREOGRAPHY.
- What type of students inspires you?
Those that simply turn up to class! Students that come with a blank canvas ready with an open mind and open heart to accept any challenge presented to them because my style can be foreign, weird and different to many that have never heard or seen Dancehall.
- What is your favourite quote?
Possibilities are endless in all facets of life and Dance knows no boundaries
- What is the best advice you could give to other dancers?
No matter what level you are at, be proud of what you’ve achieved thus far but always remember where you started. With that in mind, thats how you should always take classes, workshops and teachings from others. There is ALWAYS room for improvement or something you can learn from someone else even a dancer less experienced than you so never close that door. You will take away a lot more with this mindset.
Be inspired by your peers, teachers and idols but don’t aspire to become them. Instead, embrace your individuality and hone your skills to help define your style that you can proudly call your own. Dare to be different, dare to be yourself!
Dancing is a form of self-expression. Many styles started on the streets organically through freestyling and interpreting the music any which way. That is what Dance is in its purest form. So remember, Dance is not only about how fast you can pick up choreography or how well you can mimic the teachers moves.
Have you ever had a jam to a favourite tune, recorded yourself and saw a move or two that you thought was fresh? Yes? Then it is up to us and the next generation of dancers to keep the true essence of Dance alive so don’t neglect its freestyle aspect or else with time the variety of individuality and creativity in dance pieces all around the world will diminish.
