Who is Dale Woodbridge-Brown?
I am a proud young Indigenous man from Mungindi, a small border town in the Kamilaroi region. Coming from a sporty family, I have always been a physical person, be it a sports day at school or putting on performances with my cousins and sisters for other family members. I like to laugh and make friends in new places.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I weren’t in a performance career, I would be doing something to encourage young Indigenous people to give performing a go. I would like to guide our young people into a career in the arts, not only because it is a great way to express yourself, but it also teaches professionalism, independence, responsibility and self-confidence through expression.
Who inspires you and why?
Inspiration comes from many places for me. It can range from somebody’s view on a subject to a clip on the Internet. However, I have always had a constant muse and that’s my family. Without them, I would not have had the courage to follow my dreams. I have seven beautiful sisters who I want to make proud and prove them right. They have supported and empowered me my whole life.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would love to have a super power that could eliminate all ignorance and judgment from the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Mungindi. Ever since starting my performance adventure, I don’t get to go home much, so any chance I get I will take. The feeling that I get when I’m standing on my country is un-matched anywhere.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
To tell you the truth, I’ve hardly seen Melbourne myself because of how much I tour and travel. If I had to say one, I’d say a walk around to see the amazing street art that this city wears with pride and so well. Oh and The Croft Institute. It’s my favourite bar, it has a science theme and drinks in syringes.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Bossypants, the Tina Fey autobiography. I find I can relate to a lot of the stuff that comedians write about. They see the laughter in darkness and I like to do the same.
What are you currently listening to?
Right now I am listening to Juicy by Biggie Smalls. It’s a favourite of mine and my sisters Montana and Suevanah. We jam out to it sometimes. It’s kinda funny because they know more of the lyrics so I usually just dance.
Happiness is?
Happiness is what you make it, but for me personally, it is not having one thing in my life taking 100% of my time and effort. I like things to have a balance. Work, personal, health and social environments are all important to me, so I give each of them the attention that they deserve.
What does the future hold for you?
Ideally the future holds lots of good memories, chances to grow, opportunities to perform and inspire. A good laugh wouldn’t go astray either.
Dale Woodbridge-Brown is a Kamilaroi man from Mungindi. He first became involved in circus as a child with Circus West, where he performed as a clown and an acrobat.
He went on to become a state gymnast, training and coaching at the Dubbo Police and Community Youth Club. Tired of being the only gymnast over five feet, Dale turned to dancing – a passion he has had since childhood when he would make music video clips with his sisters.
He attended the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts where he completed a Diploma in Performing Arts majoring in Dance. During his studies, Dale performed under the direction of Leah Purcell, Stephen Helper and Penny Mullen.
Dale has taught hip-hop workshops along the East Coast of Australia and choreographed for Deadly Vibe Australia’s television show Move It Mob Style. He has performed at the Indigenous All Stars Game Festival and at various functions including the Former Origin Greats Dinner, the QANTAS Annual Dinner and at festivals all over Queensland.
Dale co-directed a show promoting anti-bullying that featured 11 performers (singers, dancers, musicians and actors) which toured to schools around Dubbo. Dale joined Circus Oz in 2012 and will be performing in their upcoming season of But Wait…There’s More under the Big Top in Birrarung Marr from 19 June.
For more information, visit: www.circusoz.com for details.
Image: Dale Woodbridge-Brown – photo by Rob Blackburn