1. What do you think is the answer to all girls being able to accept their bodies for what they are (an ever changing organism capable of anything) at a young age?
I think there is a noticeable movement in society and particularly social media at the moment to accept yourself for who you are that perhaps wasn’t as present when I was younger which is really encouraging to see. There is probably not one answer but a combination of communication, education and having positive role models around seems like a good place to start.
2. Do you like your body? Would you say your relationship with your body is considered “healthy”?
I’ve had (and admittedly still have) a complicated relationship with my body. When I was younger I was always super active and never really thought about it, but as a teen I definitely had body image issues and went through that eating disorder stage that I think a lot of teenage girls battle with, without even realising or acknowledging it. Now, there are still things I don’t really love about my body but I have definitely learnt that when I stay active and look after myself then I generally feel pretty good.
3. What has brought you to the conclusion that you like/dislike your body?
I actually think going to Sky-lab and also becoming a teacher there has had a major impact on how I feel about my body. There is such a vast mix of shapes and sizes coming into the studio, but the focus is not about dropping a dress size – it’s about feeling stronger, both physically and mentally, and to become more aware of how your body can move and what it is capable of.
4. What do you do to make yourself feel good?
Take a trip to the flowers markets and play florist in my kitchen. Hang upside down. Go for a dip in the ocean. Drink good wine with people I love.
5. Do you like to define yourself by anything in particular? Like being a good dancer, artist, writer etc.
I think I am quite good at reading/empathising with people. It’s a Pisces thing. I’m not sure I define myself by it, but that particular quality transcends both my personal and professional life in a really prominent way.
6. What would you deem to be your biggest challenge in life so far?
Answering some of these questions honestly…
I have a complex about keeping other people happy, never saying no and loving unconditionally, often at the expense of myself and my feelings. The challenge for me has been to learn to find balance and make sure that I’m OK as well sometimes.
7. What’s the “big thing” you want the world to know about you, if anything?
I’m not a pushover just because I can’t say no –I just care more about others than myself.
8. Where do you feel most at home, outside of the place that you are currently living?
In Sydney, Sky-lab is like a second home for me. It’s a really incredible community of people from all different walks of life who unite to fly together. I can walk into the studio after the worst day and everything is ok again. Outside of that it would be Jindabyne, where I grew up. There’s something about the mountains that will always be home to me.
9. Do you think women have a particularly special bond with nature? If so, how would you describe this bond, and what relationship do you personally have with nature?
I think people in general have an intrinsic relationship with nature. Most people would not be able to tell you they feel worse after some fresh air. For me, it has always been a happy place; being in nature grounds me, allows me to disconnect and take some time to breathe and recharge.
10. What song or album can you always put on to bring you back to yourself?
It depends what I need to be brought back from, but ‘Gimme Shelter’ by The Rolling Stones or literally anything by ODESZA will generally lift me out of a mood – if one doesn’t work, the other probably will.
"...the focus is not about dropping a dress size – it’s about feeling stronger, both physically and mentally, and to become more aware of how your body can move and what it is capable of"