From Classroom
to Company

Written by Jessica Poulter

Transit Dance alumni Damian Meredith has taken the contemporary dance world by storm, working as a professional dancer with two of the most prestigious companies in the country.

Being selected as a performer in a dance company is a rare and golden opportunity in this industry. Damian Meredith has been fortunate enough to secure work with Chunky Move; Melbourne’s staple contemporary dance company that showcases visually striking, experimental and genre-defying works. Damian has performed in two iconic shows called Token Armies and Yung Lung with Chunky Move, conceptualised by Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive Antony Hamilton. Chunky Move does not have a full time ensemble unlike many other companies in Australia, so to partake in two different works with Chunky Move—and also be employed as an open-class teacher—is a tremendous feat by Damian. 

Damian’s career has soared north in contemporary dance (literally), landing his second company contract in regional north Queensland. Dancenorth upholds a strong international reputation as being one of Australia’s leading and award-winning contemporary dance companies. Artistic Director, Kyle Page (2017 Sidney Myer Creative Fellow), Executive Director Hillary Coyne and Associate Artistic Director Amber Haines have produced exceptional works that have toured globally. 

Securing dance company contracts did not come without the backing of a strong dance tuition. He trained at the Victorian College of Arts Secondary School (VCASS) for four years in the predominant style of classical ballet, and at age 16, he made a backflip decision to study with the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). 

“Changing from classical to circus was a solid choice for me as a 16 year-old and it was a new world that opened up many opportunities—skill wise and socially. It definitely consolidated my future of being more of an independent artist,” said Damian. 

After completing his training at NICA, Damian felt his desire to do further elite training in dance slip away. It wasn’t until he stumbled across Transit Dance through a friend that he decided he was ready to face the mirror again. 

“When I arrived at Transit Dance, it transformed my dancing into absolute passion and determination again,” Damian said. 

It was the mentors of Transit who took a shining to Damian and gave him the confidence boost he needed to take the plunge into the artistic side of professional contemporary dance. 

“I saw the passion and knowledge from the mentors of Transit that was admirable, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Upon graduating at Transit Dance, Damian gathered remarkable credits to put on his resume. He was successful in his audition for Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of Lord of the Flies, which he performed at the State Theatre in Melbourne. Thereafter, he embarked on an international tour with Shaun Parker & Company, performing King and Happy As Larry. Damian also performed with renowned names including Stephanie Lake Company (Colossus), Tas Dance, Melanie Lane and Transit Dance Company. 

Damian has also travelled full circle with his career, giving back to the upcoming generation of dancers at Transit Dance. He is the very first alumni to return and choreograph an entire work on Transit’s full time students, using his expertise as a sound designer to bring productions to life.

Looking to become a contemporary dance company artist? Start your future today with Transit Dance.