From Tapaita:

I'm a pretty shy and awkward person but when it comes to performing, I'm a whole different person. But that type of fear usually holds me back from my full potential and going for opportunities. I am hoping Escalate will help me pull out the confidence to move out of my comfort zone and just grow not only physically in dance but mentally. I'm looking forward to growing with others and helping others with the same fear grow.

The piece we choreographed for our Escalate performance season really was made for the sake of having fun. So often we forget why we dance due to many reasons such as competition, fear or the pressure of just wanting to look like the best or the sexiest. Escalate has made us remember what it was that makes us want to dance. It's not always about perfection. We want our audience to vibe off our performances and inspire them to make them want to tap their feet at least and move their bodies.

Specialising in tap, urban and hip-hop, Jacob attended his first dance lesson at age four. He studies and teaches at Bom Funk Dance Studio and is a member of Canberra's Talented Dance program at Erindale College.

From Jacob:

My love for choreography was discovered when I joined the choreography class at Calwell High School in 2014.

My piece for 'You Are Here' is called 1812. The whole piece came together around me wanting to explore some different urban styles and the Escalate program gave me the opportunity to do this. In my piece I want my audience to feel entertained and inspired, I want to show people that trying something new can be a really positive experience and this is my way to show that.

We started Escalate with the mentor intensives in January which were so much fun and really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Working with my mentors Leena and Douglas has been amazing, I have learnt and grown so much as a dancer and especially as a choreographer.

Since age two, Charlie has studied classical and theatrical dance as well as cheer leading, gymnastics and singing. She has performed in five local musical theatre productions and calls Sparkles Dance Studio home.

From Charlie:

I chose to do a contemporary piece because there are a range of interpretations within that style.

I selected a piece of music called Luminous by Max Richter with no lyrics so I could experiment more with the choreography, style and emotions within the piece and really explore and make it my own. My piece explores the bond between sisters and how they may fight and separate themselves from each other but always support and protect one another. I love the quote "sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."

Being a part of Escalate has been an amazing experience for me and my dancers. It has been an honour to have Paul Knobloch as my mentor.

Escalate, part of the You Are Here festival, Friday 7 April to Sunday 9 April 2017, 6pm. Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre. Tickets $10-$15. Further information and tickets from eventbrite.com.au