Who is Tim Harbour?
An ex-dancer with a slightly busted body. A dad. A husband. A choreographer and a teacher. All of these roles exist in a little village called Melbourne and I ride my bike between them each day.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
The balance is pretty good right now but I’m starting to work more overseas, which is exciting though tough being apart from the family. If I were master of the universe I would take my girls with me everywhere.
Who inspires you and why?
Jerome Robbins is a choreographer among many that inspires me. The first fifteen minutes of West Side Story makes concrete city blocks look like trampolines. Also, artists that juggle family and career. And dancers.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Art can change us or helps us feel something different about the world. So many times I’ve walked out of a theatre feeling new, strong, full of belief and hope again. I want to be a part of that.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Before the kid, my wife Madeleine and I visited the Greek island of Kefalonia. The romance of that place with its heat, food, Venetian castle and blue water was like a spell. Part of me will always be waiting to go back.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A cruise around the city on bicycles. With a big game on at the ‘G’, people queuing for the theatres and the city buzzing with bars and restaurants there’s nothing like sliding through the streets on bike to soak up the feel of Melbourne.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading The Crocodile by Vincent Eri. Said to be the first work of literature to come out of Papua New Guinea. Its story gives fascinating insight into 1940’s PNG, tribal culture, mysticism, politics. There’s something about PNG being so close to us but so exotic that intrigues me. Perhaps it’s a reminder that here in Australia, culturally, we’re pretty odd too!
What are you currently listening to?
48nord, the composers of the music for my ballet, Filigree and Shadow, have just sent through a new, mastered mix with more vividness and warmth. I’m looking forward to hearing it on the big sound system at the State theatre.
Happiness is?
Cuddles from my daughter Ella. And dancing, always dancing.
What does the future hold for you?
My family together, riding bicycles on a Greek island holiday after a premiere of some new ballet which left people in the audience full of hope, courage and wonder. I think probably then, I wake up.
Tim’s ballet, Filigree and Shadow can be seen in The Australian Ballet’s Verve program – currently playing in the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne until 30 June 2018. For more information, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: Tim Harbour – courtesy of The Australian Ballet