It was just over a year ago that Tiana Meehan was named the winner in Dance Informa’s annual cover model search with dancewear icon Energetiks. With Covid restrictions wreaking havoc, Tiana had to be patient before she could receive her illustrious prizes which included a modelling contract and the chance to be the upcoming Victorian Dance Festival (VDF) ambassador.
Just this past month, Tiana was finally able to don the latest Energetiks dancewear looks and enjoy a photoshoot with talented photographer Elly Ford, ready for the cover of the month’s Dance Informa magazine. You will see some of Tiana’s gorgeous photos here, as well as in upcoming Energetiks advertising campaigns. Look out for them across social media and at Energetiks.com.au.
Here, we speak with Tiana about the experience, as well as what she’s looking forward to about VDF this April 23-24, at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
Congratulations on being named Energetiks Model Search Winner. How did you feel knowing that you would star on the cover of Dance Informa and win a modelling contract with Energetiks?
“I was really excited! I’ve been trying to get into modelling for years, since I was about 13 or 14. I was trying to get representation from a modelling agent, and every agency said ‘no’. Not for any specific reason, but I just got rejection after rejection and gave up on the whole idea thinking maybe it’s not for me. So, when I was given this opportunity, it opened my eyes to the fact that I can do it. The fact that I just went for it shows that if you’re getting rejections, you should just keep going, because your opportunity will come.”
How did you enjoy the photoshoot experience with Energetiks?
“It was really fun doing it outside and having to work with the environment. It made it way more exciting, and I enjoyed exploring all the different movement and trying to capture a nice shape or moment. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. A lot of photo shoots I have done have been just in your basic studio, so doing a photo shoot on location was really nice and it was more of an experience.”
Did you enjoy wearing the latest Energetiks designs?
“Yes! It is really hard to choose a favourite piece; I loved all of them! I loved the colours, especially the teal. What I loved about the pieces was that they have a very classic look. I’m a very classically trained dancer, and I love a lot of old films, too. The low back designs are really beautiful.”
As part of your prize, you have been named Victorian Dance Festival ambassador. What are you looking forward about VDF?
“I’m looking forward to being in a different environment, seeing how Melbourne does it and meeting new people. With Covid, we’ve all been stuck in once place, so it’s the first time in forever that I will be able to go somewhere and dance with new people. I’m really looking forward to that.”
You will be assisting Sophie Holloway at VDF. Are you excited about the opportunity?
“I absolutely love Sophie Holloway. I’ve had her since I was about 13 years old! I remember the first routine I ever did with her when she came back to Australia from the Rockettes. It was a Fosse routine, and that’s when I absolutely fell in love with her style.”
Tell us about your dance background.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three. I’m classically trained and always wanted to join the Paris Opera Ballet. But then I feel in love with musical theatre and the Broadway style because I like singing and acting as well. I still respect the ballet industry, but I’m focusing on more musical theatre now. I trained at Ettingshausens since I was 16 and then went to Brent Street when I was 18 and did full time for a year. I trained in New York for two months with the Rockettes and at Joffrey Ballet School. I also got to dance in China when I was in high school. It was such a cool experience. I was only in year eight, and we didn’t go with our parents, so it really matured me as a person and as a performer. I’ve been able to travel a bit with dancing already, which has been really nice, and I feel like it has made me the dancer I am today.”
What are your goals and dreams? Where will we see you next?
“My biggest dream is to be on film dancing and acting, preferably at the same time, in a feature film like a Baz Luhrmann film or something like that. Or doing a musical. My favourite musical would be Cabaret or Chicago with the real Broadway jazz style, or really any Fosse-based musical.”
Keep an eye on the Energetiks website for Tiana Meehan’s images and the latest, Australian made and designed, dance looks at www.energetiks.com.au.
By Deborah Searle of Dance Informa.
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