Who is Marlo Benjamin?
I’m an Australian freelance contemporary dancer, born and raised in Sydney and now based in Melbourne. I’m lucky enough to travel across Australia performing with contemporary dance companies such as Chunky Move, Stephanie Lake Company, Sydney Dance Company, Force Majeure, Australian Dance Theatre, Martin Del Amo and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
At this stage I wouldn’t do anything differently! I feel incredibly fortunate to have the lifestyle that I have at the moment, constantly traveling, performing, and collaborating with such beautiful and inspiring humans.
Who inspires you and why?
I have many inspiring people in my life. My mother, (Choreographer) Narelle Benjamin, (Choreographer) Stephanie Lake, and (Choreographer) Anouk Van Dyke. All are such driven, strong and interesting women, whom I feel incredibly lucky to learn from and spend time with. They also have in common great generosity and patience, which I highly respect.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would encourage people to get involved with the micro charity From Little Things Org, that I started in 2013, which supports an orphanage that I worked at in Ghana, Africa. If you would like to find out more visit www.fromlittlethingsorg.com to find out how you can help!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My bed! When I get a chance to have some time off there is nothing better than spending some down time in my cosy apartment in Melbourne.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably to brunch at Industry Beans and then Rose Street Markets in Fitzroy North. You can’t beat the Melbourne cafe lifestyle!
What are you currently reading?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Harari
What are you currently listening to?
My boyfriend’s spotify playlist.
Happiness is?
Inside of you… You just have to know how to inspire it.
What does the future hold for you?
I like to think that I will be able to have a long lasting career with a body that continues to love me! I am definitely going to sustain my physical maintenance practice and invest in my body, pushing its physical capabilities whilst still listening and responding to what it needs each day, as it’s always so different! So hopefully, the future holds many more adventures!!
Marlo can be seen in Stephanie Lake’s new work, Pile of Bones in its world premiere season at Arts House: 15 – 19 August 2017. For more information, visit: www.artshouse.com.au for details.
Image: Marlo Benjamin (supplied)