Fresh from the success of the Dance Life series, Australian dancer Max Ostler is stepping onto the big screen with Dance For Your Life, a new film set to hit cinemas this April. For Ostler, the project marks not only a shift in format but a significant evolution in both his artistry and personal journey.
Speaking with Dance Informa Australia, Ostler reflects on how different this experience was from the original series that first introduced audiences to his story.
“The biggest difference was the time,” he explains. “The series was filmed across all of 2022 during my full-time year, but the movie was shot in a much shorter window – about 10 days to a month. It was a lot more fast-paced.”
That shift in pace mirrored a deeper transformation. When filming the original series, Ostler was fresh out of high school, navigating full-time training at Brent Street, Sydney and still discovering who he was as both a dancer and a person. Returning for the film, he felt a newfound confidence.
“I was a very different person,” he says. “Back then, I was still finding myself. This time, I felt more secure in who I am.”
Since those early days, Ostler’s career has expanded rapidly. From performing at events like the Victorian Dance Festival (VDF) to working internationally, his trajectory reflects both ambition and openness to opportunity.
When chatting with Dance Informa, Ostler was preparing to travel to China to begin a tour with global pop star Jolin Tsai.
“I feel really lucky,” he shares. “Being young gives you the freedom to explore. I don’t want to tie myself to one place – whether it’s London, the US or back home in Australia. I just want to experience it all.”
That global perspective is woven into Dance For Your Life, which brings together Australian and international dancers in a dynamic cross-cultural exchange. Filming in London proved to be a standout experience for Ostler, particularly working with renowned choreographer Dean Lee.
“Dean is one of the most genuine people I’ve met,” Ostler says. “He really takes the time to understand each dancer and give personalised feedback. It didn’t feel like we were just learning choreography; we built something meaningful together.”
The film captures that sense of connection, showcasing not only the technical excellence of its cast but the shared passion that drives them. For Ostler, one of the most powerful aspects of the project is its ability to highlight Australian talent on a global stage.
“There’s so much incredible talent here,” he says. “Seeing Australian dancers alongside international artists was really inspiring. I think this film is going to be an amazing platform to show what we can do.”
Beyond performance, the experience has also sparked a growing interest in screen work. Ostler speaks enthusiastically about the unique nature of being part of a filmed project – something he describes as both rare and deeply meaningful.
“How many people get to have their life documented like that?” he reflects. “Even if nothing else had come from the Dance Life series, we have this incredible record to look back on. It’s like a yearbook of our lives.”
That perspective has left him eager to explore more opportunities in film and acting. “I’ve definitely caught the bug,” he laughs. “Now I just want to keep going.”
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Ostler remains optimistic about how it will be received.
“After watching it, I thought it was amazing,” he says. “Everyone involved – the cast, the creatives – has done such a great job. It really feels like a step up from the series.”
With its blend of high-level performance, personal storytelling and international collaboration, Dance For Your Life promises to resonate with dancers and audiences alike. And for Max Ostler, it represents just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
As he prepares to take on the world, quite literally, one thing is clear: his journey is only just getting started.
Dance for your Life opens in cinemas across Australia from April 2nd.
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