Who is Darcy Carpenter?
I grew up in Renmark, in the Riverland in regional South Australia, running around a huge backyard with my two dogs Mollie and Meyer. In 2021 I left home to become a company dancer with Restless Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading dance company working with artists with and without disability.
Since joining the company I’ve performed in Guttered, presenting in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney Festivals, A Date with Restless, Rewards for the Tribe, a collaboration with Chunky Move, Exposed presenting in Adelaide, regional areas and Melbourne. In September she tours Exposed to Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal Hobart and SIDance Festival in Seoul.
I’m a down to earth kind of girl, cheeky and always up for a laugh. I also strongly believe in women’s rights.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I couldn’t be a dancer, I would become a nurse because I love to look after children. Also, I would like to live in Hollywood, I would happily be an actor starring in musicals with Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Emily Blunt.
Who inspires you and why?
Julie Andrews inspires me because she reminds me of my grandmother, Janice. They both can dance; they are both funny and they are both great Mums!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Simple, no more war! I encourage people to live peacefully and be kind to others. In my personal life I don’t hold onto things, I move on and I believe in God.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love the Gold Coast because I love getting wet and I love the slip ‘n’ slides. I had a birthday on Hamilton Island when I turned eleven, I would love to go back there with my future wife. I have such great memories being there with family of having my face painted as a mermaid and patting a koala. People call me a koala because I like hugging people. I would also like to go London because my Dad’s family live there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to the Restless studios so they can see where I work, and where I get to be creative and make art with my brain, joints and muscles. I would also take people to Brighton Beach, it’s close to my home. The beach gives me life and joy.
What are you currently reading?
I am not reading at the moment. The last book I read was a biography of Julie Andrews. It was amazing to read how she was brought up and about her time in Hollywood.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to Boy George, I particularly like Karma Chameleon. I listen to musicals; my favourite song is I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. And I love Mamma Mia!
Happiness is?
Happiness is being able to dance and spend time with my friends, particularly Charlie. He is as cheeky as me!
What does the future hold for you?
I want to continue as a company dancer with Restless touring the world and also, I’m keen to become a tutor. I want a family of my own and have two children, one boy and one girl. I would name them Janet and Caleb. I would take my kids with me when I tour. The other dancers would become their Aunties and Uncles.
Darcy 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: Darcy Carpenter – photo by Shane Reid