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Dancer finds fame in new role

21 Sept. 2010
by Kim Shaw

Amy Campbell (front) with friends from the cast of Fame Photo: MELVYN KNIPE

For 10 years, Amy Campbell has lived the dream of being a professional dancer.

The Surry Hills resident has performed in major shows such as Saturday Night Fever, has worked with Opera Australia, done the rounds of cruise ships, danced in New York, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and Puerto Rico and made the top ten in the show So You Think You Can Dance.

Her latest gig as Katie in Fame the Musical is something she doesn’t take for granted.

“I fought hard for this. It is not easy,” Campbell said.

“But it never feels like a nine to five job. You pray that it is never going to be over”.

Campbell grew up on the Central Coast with supportive parents who, although far from a show biz family, took her to every dance lesson.

“My dad has two left feet,” she said.

Working with a talented cast has kept her on her feet.

“I’m working with some of Australia’s best dancers, and they are Sydney-based and proud to be working at home”.

Audience feedback is also a major motivator for Campbell.

“Some audiences are very quiet and patient and take it all in. Others are outlandish - you can feel their energy.”

Fame is choreographed by Kelly Abbey, and Campbell said the work was a timeless reinterpretation of its 80s origins, injected with a high-energy physically demanding modernity.

“It’s less fluoro leg warmers and more pure dance. Kelly Abbey has captured the energy without dating it.”

Fame the Musical opens at the Capitol on October 9.

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