Who is Jessica Robbins?
Jessica Robbins is a bubbly, kind and soft-spoken Aerialist/Dancer/Singer that is always willing to help others in life and backstage. She has always been eager to learn more or try new things to add to her skill set. She started performing early on as a dancer and was a part of the Queensland ballet junior program before heading overseas on dance contracts.
Jessica then moved into the world of theatre at Dracula’s Cabaret and started learning the art of Aerial dance on Silks, Lyra and more which she had always been fascinated with. If Jessica isn’t hanging in the air or dancing up a storm she will be making costumes for her hobby which is Cosplay and attending conventions as her favourite superhero or villain. Most recently Jessica was cast as Estela in the high energy dance, burlesque, circus show MATADOR which she is thrilled to have been a part of for the last 2 years.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I see every day as a new experience to learn and grow from as a person and performer so doing things differently happens on a daily basis. I’m a true believer in everything happens for a reason and that the door will open when it’s meant to as long as you trust in yourself, your art and your journey. The hard work you put in will get you where you need to be when the time is right, even if it can feel like a step back staying dedicated to my art in those times has brought me some of the most wonderful opportunities in my career.
Who inspires you and why?
The strong women in my life are the biggest inspiration to me: Firstly my mum has been there every step though my performing life from making my first solo performance tutu to seeing me perform with MATADOR around Australia, she is very strong, independent and honest person which I value very much.
The biggest performing inspiration to me would be my Auntie Penny Martin-Wellard, I remember when I was young seeing Penny perform in West Side Story and that was is it, I was destined to be a performer from that day. What inspires me is Penny’s very successful career in the theatre and her beautiful stage presence. There have been so many other inspirational people on my journey that I have learnt from and have helped mould my art today from both dance and circus and for them I’m very thankful.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Keep performing and training the next generation of performers what I’ve have learnt in the industry, knowledge is power and feel the greatest difference I can make is to pass on what I’ve learnt on my journey and make a positive impact on others who want to start their own performing career.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with snow! I love Snowboarding can’t get enough of it, I lived in Japan for a while in the snow and feel in love the culture, the food and the people I’ve also been snowboarding in New Zealand which was absolutely stunning and a wonderful trip with friends. I do like holidays but what I most enjoy is traveling for work, staying in one place enough to get a real sense of what it’s like to live there and make friends with locals is what I love most.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Live shows are always my go-to with friends in town, nothing compares to seeing a show and getting a late-night dinner in a secret restaurant or bar. Melbourne has so much to offer and a variety of shows like nowhere else I’ve lived that there is always something new and exciting to see. I love showing friends the creative and vibrant Melbourne scene.
What are you currently reading?
Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, I don’t read often but when I do its usually fiction. I love watching period drama so this is why I decided to pick up this book, usually I’d go for more of a Fantasy series. Anyone who knows me knows I’m an absolute Harry Potter nerd and still take a Harry Potter book on long flights or on tour.
What are you currently listening to?
Depends on the activity, I have a very a large range to music taste thanks to my friends growing up and will listen to anything from 90s Spice Girls to symphonic death metal and everything in-between. If I’m warming up for the show I have a playlist I’ve compiled of my favourite high energy pop tracks to get my body and mind pumped for the show.
Happiness is?
Performing Aerials high over a crowd of people and making them feel something through the story telling is what gives me happiness, seeing people feel raw emotion from my performance is what I love and brings me more joy than you can imagine.
I want people to feel like they are not just watching my performance they are part of the story and hope that the story will help people with situations that they may be facing or help them escape to live in my world for a few hours, this is what’s makes me happy.
What does the future hold for you?
Well there is many exciting plans in the works! The first international tour for the incredible and fiery show MATADOR which we’re thrilled to take overseas, our first stop is beautiful New Zealand and there many more exciting tours yet to be announced so stay tuned…
Also in the past year my fiancé and I have been creating a brand-new duo Knife Throwing act which we look forward to debuting on a stage next year, while we are planning a wedding (in a circus tent of course!) surrounded by all our loved friends and family.
Jessica stars as Estela in the return Melbourne season of MATADOR – which plays the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne: 1 – 4 December 2021. Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/matadortheshow for details.
Image: Jessica Robbins (supplied)