Maddie Paluch: ‘Believe in yourself and chase your dreams’

Wiradjuri woman Maddie Paluch from Western Sydney is a dancer.

‘I started dancing at three years old and have loved it ever since,’ she said.

‘Almost everything I do is influenced by my passion for dance. It has shaped me as a person and it’s what I turn to in any situation. It makes me feel free and connected to my culture.’

Until the COVID-19 shutdown, the NAISDA graduate was working hard under the Russell Page Graduate Program - Professional Development Scholarship. This included 10 weeks with Sydney Dance Company’s Pre- Professional Year and an upcoming Internship with Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Like so many Australians, the shutdown affected Maddie’s mental health.

‘I have at times felt extremely drained and unmotivated, being in a time where the Arts industry has literally stopped and not knowing when that world will return or what it looks like when it does,’ Maddie said.

‘I have taken this time as an opportunity to focus on things I love, like spending more time with family, reading and building my knowledge around my family’s history.’

Maddie’s personal history has included opportunities to develop her skills and work with inspiring people.

In addition to working with Bangarra and the Sydney Dance Company, she’s been part of One Point 5 Music Video with Mi-Kaisha and Nooky and choreographed her first work ‘Murriyan’ that was performed at NAISDA End of Year Show ‘Ngoenakap’.

‘The most memorable experience was attending Cultural Residencies with NAISDA to Nyinyikay and Moa Island where I got to experience Culture first hand,’ Maddie said.

‘Almost every person I have come across has taught me something about myself.’

‘A major impact for me was when I auditioned for the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company which is a partnership with Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Arts Unit. I was a part of the Company for 6 years. This is where I found my first connection of dance and culture through the mentorship of Sidney Saltner, Sani Ray Townsend, Patrick Thaiday and Chantal Kerr.’

‘They have continued to support my journey through dance the whole 9 years, assisting me in finding my path as an Aboriginal Artist. It’s knowing people who have watched your journey of growth as a dancer still believe in you, which continues to inspire me every day.’

Maddie understands the ‘pass it along’ principle.

‘Knowing how much I was impacted by the people I am mentored by makes being an example to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth a fulfilling feeling,’ she said.

‘And my message would be to be proud of who you are. If you have a dream chase it and take every step along the way as a lesson to who you will become. Don’t always just think about the destination but the journey it takes to get there.’

Maddie has recently returned to training with Sydney Dance Company’s Pre_Professional Year.

‘I am now back doing what I love,’ Maddie said.

This is good news because she has stories to tell.

‘I have always wanted to tell stories around my culture and what happened to us as Indigenous people. I would love to tell the story of my great grandmother and the history of my family. I have always felt empowered when sharing about my family and culture and feel closest to my great grandmother when I’m dancing.’