Who is Sacha Copland?
Kia ora! I am the choreographer of Back of the Bus from Aotearoa New Zealand and I also perform in the show. Back of the Bus is a dance show on a moving bus. We take the audience on a journey with us for one hour. I started Java Dance Theatre back in 2003 and have since toured all over the world performing on moving buses, on wine barrels and with local dancers and musicians.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would steal money from Elon Musk and give it to almost anyone else. I would lock AI in a cupboard and invite everyone else to a dance party with a live Balkan folk band.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the next generation. They are creative, good at communicating, generous and good at looking after each other. They aren’t perfect but I reckon they are making the world a better place.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Advocate, advocate advocate! For art, for people, for connection, for physicality, for dance, for daydreaming and for slowing down. People are amazing and we have more power than we know. We just need to find ways to use it collectively.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Places I have never been before. I have been to almost every continent but I haven’t made it to South America yet. I would love to go on holiday to the Rio Carnival. I work with a Brazilian dancer and hearing her describe it is wild. I love it when everyone dances and I love tropical heat.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m from Aotearoa New Zealand and I live in Wellington so I would take them to the bush or the sea. It’s really beautiful and close. It is much colder than Australia but it’s great!!! If you want to wake up every single nerve ending in your body then a winter dip is perfect.
What are you currently reading?
A play called Mary by Jess Sayer. It’s a feminist take on Frankenstein. I’m reading it for work because there are creatures to choreograph in it. Also My mum just turned 80 and has written the first 7 years of her life so I just finished reading that. Very touching and cool to get an insight into her 1946-53 self. Woah the world has changed a lot! How much change will we see in our lifetimes???
What are you currently listening to?
Abdullah Ibrahim – South African Jazz, a Mongolian band that translates as Marmota, some chill vibes called Sonido Cosmico from Hermanos Gutierrez and some dramatic Scandinavian Viking inspired folk music by Danheim. Lol just the usual stuff. I’m lucky to listen to music every day because it’s part of my mahi (work).
Happiness is?
People, family, love, nature, feeling connected, dancing, the smell of daphne in spring, the feeling you get when a stranger becomes a friend, live music.
What does the future hold for you?
Lots of touring to Australia! We are touring an awesome kids show called The Tantrum to Adelaide, New South Wales and more. Look out for it! We are also touring an improvised work called an Honest Conversation that is a duet with a local. It has been described as a cross between stand up comedy and dance. Plus I am starting to create a work with a big community chorus.
Sacha is the choreographer of and performer in Back of the Bus – which will be presented as part of the Bondi Festival from 9 – 12 July 2026. For more information, visit: www.bondifestival.com.au for details.
Image: Sacha Copland (supplied)