Who is Pip Keltie?
I am a professional performer trained in dance, aerial, acting and singing. I believe improvement is a lifetime process but have true grit and ambition to continuously grow in regard to my skills and personal development.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I am currently studying Interior Design on the side of my dancing career. When the time comes, I hope to transition over to this. Interior design is very much still a creative outlet for me, allowing my mind to interplay spontaneous ideas with thoughtful planning for a functional end result, similar to choreographing and dancing. Detail orientation and aesthetics are also both aspects I love echoed in both dancing and Interior Design.
Who inspires you and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her fierce attitude, perseverance and passion for gender equality and women’s rights inspires me to always keep moving forward and empower the women around me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Dance training is so expensive. Lessons, competitions, concert photos, and costume hire snowball into a large yearly fee. I would love to provide free dance classes and performance opportunities for children with family financial challenges. Dance offers methods of escape from the violence and poverty that exists and will help kids with self-esteem, direction, creativity, and self-expression.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Japan! I ported in Japan multiple times on my cruise contracts and went back afterwards for a holiday. Japan is filled with so much rich history. The Zen gardens, mountain ranges, temples, and bamboo forests evoke a pure sense of peace and serenity. The Japanese culture also embrace the philosophy of Wabi-sabi, which I thought was beautiful. Wabi-sabi is a way of life that changes our perspective in the way that we are conditioned to resist ageing. Instead, we should openly accept the cycle of life, both human and material in terms of natural deterioration and our impermanence of existence.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them for a day trip down the picturesque route of the Great Ocean Road. Beginning in Torquay where my mum lives, the drive along the calming coast has so many spectacular spots including epic surf beaches, bountiful wildlife, and ancient rainforest trails along the way. Lorne is a favourite stop where you can try the local fishermen’s morning catch for a classic fish and chip lunch. Ending at the famous 12 Apostles which emerge from the water, this road is an unforgettable and iconic experience!
What are you currently reading?
The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz. I think it has great lessons on achieving self-love through healing and letting go of emotional wounds and trauma. After tackling these issues, we no longer expect others to provide us with love.
What are you currently listening to?
The new track for the upcoming Matador season at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne. Bass G Fam, the creator of Matador, has been working with a talented composer to produce a dramatic original score for one of our Spanish numbers. I am overly excited to be on stage with my cast members and tell a story through this incredible piece of music.
Happiness is?
I personally feel happy and content when I am spending quality time with the people I appreciate. People who love me for my quirks, who I can get sincere advice off, who support me, and who and I can have memorable experiences with.
What does the future hold for you?
Travelling in some way. Leisurely or on a dance contract. Travelling allows me to see life in a unique way, value other cultures, meet new souls and experience the beauty of the world.
Pip stars in MATADOR – which will be presented at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, as part of the 2021 Midsumma Festival: 29 April – 2 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.ticketek.com.au or www.facebook.com/matadortheshow for details.
Image: Pip Keltie (supplied)