Who is Charlie Wilkins?
I am a professional dancer with Restless Dance Theatre and a champion swimmer. I’ve toured around Australia and to the UK with Restless and recently competed at the Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France last month winning the bronze medal for the relay. My favourite, number one stroke is breaststroke and my favourite dance work is Exposed. It’s an exciting life pathway.
I like spending time with family and friends, my family are my great support. I have a half grey – half black fluffy, cute dog called Barney, and a twin sister Hannah Elizabeth Wilkins. Hannah looks nothing like me, she doesn’t have glasses. She likes sweet foods and I like savoury foods, although I am partial to a rainbow killer python snake.
Around the house I am called King Charlie which I don’t mind. I’m heading to the Sydney Opera House soon to perform Exposed with Restless Dance Theatre.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I didn’t dance, I would be a support worker or a swimming coach.
Who inspires you and why?
Mitch Larkin – Australian Olympic backstroker. I met him when I was thirteen at the Marion Aquatic Centre. He was swimming for Australia, our country!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Well… Covid sucked… I encourage people to take care of themselves. I want people to feel safe and healthy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Las Vegas, because of its sunny weather, sunsets and fancy restaurants and I’d love to go to one nightclub. I’m not really a nightclub person but I’d love to be around people doing cool moves on the dance floor.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
That’s a hard, tricky question. There is so many great things to see and do in Adelaide. I would take people to the beach and maybe for a game of mini golf. If they like movies we could go to the movies too. I really want people to feel happy and I would take them where they want to go.
What are you currently reading?
I am not a big reader. I like books but I’m not reading right now.
What are you currently listening to?
Another hard question. I watch movies rather than listening to music. I love the new Disney Little Mermaid movie. The songs and sound effects are great!
Happiness is?
Feeling proud! Happiness is important, it’s about joyful, caring and supporting one another. Making people laugh and giggle. Happiness is spending time with my Restless family.
What does the future hold for you?
I want to continue on as a Restless dancer. I am keen to swap swimming out and become a swimming coach instead. I would like to be a famous Youtuber and write a novel about my life because I have such good stories to tell.
Charlie can be seen in Restless Dance Theatre‘s production of Exposed by Michelle Ryan – which will make its Sydney Opera House debut in the Studio from 30 August to 3 September 2023. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: Charlie Wilkins – photo by Shane Reid