From Student to Sensation: The journey of Kaitlin Malone

In the world of contemporary dance in Australia, Kaitlin Malone is making a name for herself as an exciting artist and choreographer. From her beginnings at Transit Dance to her role as rehearsal director for Stephanie Lake’s Colossus, Kaitlin has become a captivating performer and a respected voice in the industry.

But Kaitlin's dance journey didn't follow the traditional path. "I actually started dancing when I was 15 years old," Kaitlin explains. "I was watching a documentary about the importance of arts in high schools, and I saw these amazing videos of young dancers in school hallways. It looked so beautiful and liberating, and I wanted to experience that for myself. So, I joined a local dance school in Perth and accidentally stumbled into a contemporary class. I instantly fell in love with how it felt in my body."

Kaitlin credits her first contemporary teacher for sparking her passion and guiding her towards a career in dance. "She really encouraged me to pursue dance full-time after school," Kaitlin shares. "And lucky for me, the director of my dance school was a big fan of Paul Malek and introduced me to Transit Dance, which was just about to open. And that's how my journey really took off!"

When Kaitlin joined Transit Dance in 2015, little did she know it would be the start of an incredible artistic journey. She immersed herself in the Certificate IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma of Dance programs, learning from renowned mentors like Paul Malek, Kritsy Ayre, Amy Hollingsworth, Daniel Jaber, and Adam Wheeler.

Kaitlin reflects on her time at Transit Dance, saying, "Being one of the first students on the contemporary pathway had a profound impact on my artistic development and career. The training I received there was exceptional, always up-to-date with industry standards. It's amazing to see Transit's growth firsthand, constantly evolving to stay current. It's been an incredible journey growing and exploring the artistic world with Transit."

During her final year of study, Kaitlin's journey took an exciting turn when she had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned choreographer Stephanie Lake on the award-winning production, Colossus. 

"As a strong female choreographer, Stephanie Lake has always been someone I admired," Kaitlin shares. "Her ability to create works that embody both ferocity and gentleness simultaneously has inspired me to find my own artistic voice. When the chance to work with her on Colossus came along, I couldn't believe it."

Colossus, an electrifying contemporary dance performance designed for 50 dancers, made its highly anticipated debut at the prestigious Melbourne Arts Centre in 2018. Kaitlin, along with a remarkable ensemble of 26 Transit Dance artists, showcased their extraordinary talents on the grand stage.

"Being part of the original cast of Colossus had a profound impact on my career and growth as a performer," Kaitlin reflects. "It was my first professional job, and little did I know that it would pave the way for the beautiful career I am still pursuing."

The success of Colossus didn't stop there. Shortly after the first season, Kaitlin was invited to join the creative team as rehearsal director. This opened up incredible opportunities for her to travel to Switzerland, Germany, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, restaging the production for various international dance companies.

"Traveling internationally with Colossus and sharing Stephanie Lake's incredible work with diverse dance companies has been an incredible experience," Kaitlin expresses. "Growing up in a multicultural household helped me navigate the challenges of teaching in different locations. Despite language barriers, the universal language of movement allowed us to connect with people through art.

I am immensely grateful for the trust placed in me to bring Stephanie's vision and choreography to life. It has been a rewarding journey. Working closely with Stephanie on a personal level has shown me the immense power and importance of the arts."

Aside from her involvement in the highly acclaimed Colossus, Kaitlin has solidified her presence in the Australian dance scene as a highly sought-after teacher and emerging choreographer.

Confessing that she didn't always see herself as a choreographer, Kaitlin admits, "I used to compare myself to the incredible choreographers out there and feel like I couldn't measure up. But when I was given the opportunity to create my own works, I felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. My goal has always been to touch audiences and provide a valuable experience for the dancers involved."

Kaitlin's creative process is rooted in collaboration. "I enjoy sharing my choreographic style and interests, while also giving the dancers the freedom to express themselves through their own material. I want to create pieces that feel human, works that the audience can connect with and interpret in their own unique way."

When asked about her current and upcoming projects, Kaitlin reveals her aspirations. "In the next few years, I hope to bring my own independent show to life. I want to take the time to develop my ideas and wait for the perfect moment to share them."

Kaitlin's passion for creativity and her commitment to constant artistic growth drive her, inspiring those around her. With each new project, she continues to leave her mark in the dance world.

Interested in a career like Kailtin’s? Check out what the Transit Pre-Professional course can offer you!