We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful MARNI MCGRATH. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with MARNI below.
MARNI, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I grew up in a small coastal town South East of Victoria, Australia where I danced at a suburban dance school. I never realised I wanted to be a professional dancer, I didn’t know it was possible for a small town country girl. At the end of high school I travelled to New York with my parents at age 17 and that was the moment I knew I wanted to live there, I fell in love with the city but always thought that could only ever be a dream and not my reality. After doing my research I saw it was possible for me to pursue a career in entertainment. I moved to Melbourne after being accepted into Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance two year performing arts course. I went on to have a professional career as a dancer working in Melbourne and internationally but the dream of moving to New York was still there. I was always turned off by the idea of trying for my O1 Visa, getting told by others that it was impossible, too hard, too expensive or that I wasn’t good enough. It was right before the pandemic hit that I had the opportunity to perform with Katy Perry. There was something about that job that made me want to go for my O1 despite what I had been told for years. Covid had other plans. However this is where my risk taking comes into play. I rode out the pandemic as the whole world did, I stayed motivated and dedicated to my craft and when things very slowly started easing in the states I went for the visa. From November 2020 to Feb 2021 I worked endlessly with my lawyer getting together everything I needed. I submitted and was fortunate enough to hear back within 12 days that I had been approved. By May 2021 I was on an empty flight to New York. At the time the Australians borders were closed and there were few people going in or out and covid was still very much present with ongoing lockdowns and restrictions in Australia. Saying goodbye to my family was one of the hardest moments, we were saying goodbye knowing that I would not be allowed back into the country for a period of time and the unknown of when they were allowed to travel again. Looking back I see the huge risk I took to follow my dream, one that I couldn’t do without the support of my family but I did it knowing that if I didn’t at least try it would be a regret that I would always carry with me. After living in the states for 2 and a half years I am so grateful and count my lucky stars that I took that risk. I’m living out my dream everyday working as a professional dancer not only in New York but I spent 15 months of my time here in Las Vegas with Cirque Du Soleil, being an original cast member of the brand new Cirque show ‘Mad Apple’. Taking this risk has had its hardships but ultimately it’s led me to new opportunities and success but importantly its built resilience, a sense of accomplishment, continuing to learn about myself and setting an example to all the other young performers out their in the small country towns having the same or similar dreams that I did.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a professional dancer living in New York City. I grew up in a small country town on the South East coast of Victoria, Australia. I grew up dancing in a suburban dance school and ended up training and becoming a professional dancer in Melbourne. I think I spent many years of my early 20’s being shy, maybe a little timid and having no idea of who I was (like majority of people at this age). What I truly realise now after moving half way across the world is how much I have learnt about myself and have grown not only as a performer but a human first. The choices that I have made to be here has inspired so many young performers from where I grew up. While that may be a small population, I try to live everyday leading by example, showing kindness and compassion not only to myself but to people around me who are in New York that are maybe still training, or trying to get an agent, or international students that have the same dream as I did to obtain an o1 and move to America. There is enough room for everybody in the industry and while I am still chasing my goals I want to continue to inspire, encourage and guide others in anyway I can to achieve the same.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me is the feeling/feelings that are a part of being an artist. Whether they are positive or negative, they are constantly teaching me something about myself, how I react/respond to situations, how I celebrate my wins and remain determined through the no’s (because there will always be more no’s than yes’s – for everyone). It’s the feeling of being able to share my craft with so many people, not just within my circle but with family and friends around the world from all different walks of life. Sharing the same or similar passion with people keeps you connected, inspired and a willingness to never stop growing.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Everyone should read ‘The Artists Way’ by Julie Cameron, ‘The Power of Now’ by Echart Tolle, ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne and any book by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. All have had an impact on my life during different moments over the years and I continue to come back to them.
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Image Credits
Justin Patterson, Vivienne Steer, Cirque Du Soleil