Biography

Opal Russell, from Kiama, New South Wales (Dharawal country), is a versatile movement artist known for her innovative choreography and dynamic sound design. From a young age, Opal exhibited a creative spirit, making films and organising choreographic projects. At just eight years old, she rallied local kids on her regular family camping trips to create performance for the camping ground. She has always been innately aware of the power of dance to bring communities together.

This passion for community and creativity deepened her connection to local dance, particularly with Austinmer Dance Theatre and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, where her artistic expression was nurtured. These formative experiences allowed her to develop a strong foundation in movement and performance, fostering her creative voice before she embarked on formal training at the Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year. There, she secured a full scholarship after being a finalist at the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix.

Early recognition followed at Sydney’s Short Sharp Dance Festival, where she was awarded “Most Innovative Choreography” for her solo work, a sigh. Opal has also had the privilege of performing works by renowned choreographers, including Stephanie Lake, Rafael Bonachela, and Merce Cunningham.

Currently based in Naarm and pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at the VCA, Opal continues to make significant strides in her field. In her second year at the VCA she was selected to attend a creative and cultural exchange in the Cook Islands, representing the University of Melbourne and the VCA on the New Colombo Plan Grant .Additionally, she is actively exploring sound design through interdisciplinary exchanges with students at the University of Melbourne, integrating these insights into her artistic practice. Her choreographic work has been showcased by Out of Bounds and MUD Festival, with her full-length piece, Mothers Group, recently premiering at MUSE Festival. Recognized for her potential, she has received the ‘Norma De Gruchy’ award for Classical Ballet and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Entry Scholarship. In 2025, she will intern with Chunky Move, further expanding her artistic horizons.

With her unique blend of creativity, community engagement, and technical prowess, Opal Russell is poised to make a lasting impact on the dance landscape.

Practice

As a multidisciplinary artist, Opal explores the dynamic relationship between sound and movement, developing movement scores that evolve alongside her sound compositions. This approach creates immersive experiences that invite audiences to engage with the interplay of rhythm and physicality. Her work often investigates themes of connection and embodiment, drawing inspiration from both natural and urban environments.

By blending elements of choreography and sound design, Opal fosters a fluid dialogue between the two mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional performance. With a passion for collaboration, she actively engages with other artists, cultivating a creative environment where ideas can flourish. Her ongoing exploration promises to unveil new dimensions in the art of performance.