Bec Reid

“I don’t dance” is music to the ears of Bec Reid. It’s a provocation and an invitation. For those who are not dancers, the dance floor can seem incredibly overwhelming ­­– the idea of moving a body in a way that is outside of the ‘normal’ is frightening. But what are we afraid of? Bec’s advice to these wall flowers is: “Back yourself, you will be alright.” Inspirational artist Bec Reid works across social divides, between rural and urban communities and across all demographics and backgrounds. She brings people closer through dance. Bec started dance in her mid teens, changing her direction from either going to save the whales or becoming a journalist. Dance grabbed her! Growing up in Tasmania, she moved away to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Upon finishing study along with Luke George (who is profiled in an upcoming episode), Bec became the Co-Artistic Director of Stompin Youth Dance Company in Tasmania from 2002 to 2008. “I have committed to rest of my dancing life, to making dance as inclusive as possible because my experience was very welcoming.” She is passionate about making dance available to everyone. Her list of achievements, collaborations, projects and commissions is immense. Even those who know Bec best, struggle to keep up with her number of projects and touring schedules. Despite this, “busy” is not a word you will ever hear her utter. Bec is the co-artistic director of All The Queens Men, a company that champions social equality by providing creative opportunities for diverse members of society. Bec’s dance and creative talent shines through so many of their projects including, Fun Run, The Coming Back Out Ball and LGBTI Elders Dance Club. Bec also works with Every Body NOW! a company that creates participatory and large-scale experiences that engage communities. Every Body NOW! is soon to open Yes, We Dance! for Bleach* Festival, which coincides with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. “For me dance says literally everything, I will watch someone dancing long before I say hello to them of start talking.”