MJ the Musical star Liam Damons with the next generation of performers at VPA Studios. Photos: Keeli Dyson.
The star of a hit musical that celebrates one of the world’s greatest entertainers has supported young dancers from the Illawarra by sharing his unique insight and industry experience.
Up-and-coming performers from VPA Studios received a rare glimpse of their potential future careers during a visit from one of the performers who portrays Michael Jackson in Australia’s current production of the award-winning MJ the Musical.
Twenty-year-old Liam Damons taught the dancers some iconic MJ moves while offering practical advice on what it takes to make it in the industry.
“I think it’s so inspiring for me to also see the next generation of performers coming up as well,” Liam said.
“I’m so grateful and privileged that I’m in the position to be able to give this advice because I feel not so long ago I was the one on the opposite side looking for advice from people in the entertainment industry.
“It’s really a full-circle moment and I’m so excited to be out here.”
The exclusive Q&A allowed the dancers to learn about the process behind putting a show of this scale on stage, and how to put their best foot forward when it comes time to attending auditions.
“I wanted to know if he’d done much in the past like dancing and what the training was [for] this role,” 12-year-old Isla Psarris said.
“I really loved learning from Liam and his wise words and it was just an amazing opportunity.”
For 13-year-old Mae Belarski who dreams of a career in musical theatre, Liam’s advice is something she plans to implement immediately.
“I am doing musicals at the moment and I love doing it,” Mae said. “I really liked how he was like, ‘You’ve just got to put yourself out there.’
“I struggle with that sometimes so I am just grateful that he gave me that advice and I’m definitely going to try and do it.”
Studio director Victoria Vargas said the unique opportunity helped the students see that their dreams were attainable.
“Hearing directly from someone who has worked in the industry gives our dancers not only inspiration but practical advice on how to turn their passion into a career,” she said.
“It’s so valuable for them to learn about the pathway to success, the dedication it takes, and how to prepare now for opportunities in the future.
“Moments like these remind our students that with the right guidance and hard work, their goals are absolutely within reach.”
The dancers showed off some of their own skills before they were surprised with tickets to see Liam in action during the Sydney production of MJ the Musical.
“I didn’t think I should jump up and down but I wanted to!” Mae said.
After seeing what the dancers were capable off, Liam was sure they would soon be following in his footsteps and making their own mark on the stage.
“It was incredible,” he said.
“Everyone was so so talented and it’s so exciting to see the next generation of performers just stepping up and seeing the hard work and the dedication that they have towards their craft.
“I can’t wait to share the stage with them soon.”
MJ the Musical is playing at Sydney Lyric Theatre until 23 August and tickets are available at mjthemusical.com.au
