Professional Irish dancer Emily Erickson has recently returned to her hometown of Adelaide after living in Belfast and Dublin, where she toured nearly 20 countries. She’s now settled back at home and is teaching Irish dancing in her studio.
Describe the best day of your life.
I’m fortunate to have had many ‘pinch me’ moments over the past few years. I don’t think I could nail it down to one specific day, but performing in Dublin earlier this year with a show called Rhythm of the Dance was very special. We spent the week creating a new version of the show, and bringing it ‘home’ for friends and family meant a lot to all of us. It was very bittersweet week – the happiest I’ve been on stage mixed with knowing I was moving back to Australia a couple of weeks later meant that I savoured every moment I could. I have a feeling there are many more milestones to come so it’s exciting to think that perhaps I’m yet to experience the best day of my life!
What brings you joy in life?
So many things – big and small. Waking up in a new city, planning a trip, performing on stage and seeing the joy it brings to others, double shot oat flat whites, photography, warm weather (especially after living in Ireland), belly laughs with friends, getting lost in a book, a long walk with a podcast … anything that includes music, movement, friends, and family.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t be your first no. Always ask the question instead of presuming something’s not possible. This advice has served me well throughout my dancing career however I’ve found it can apply to many areas in life. You’ll never know unless you ask! That, and “always be ready”. You never know when an opportunity will come knocking, so do your best to stay prepared.
What is your most treasured photograph?
This is such a tough question as I’ve collected so many amazing photos during my travels. However, I’ll always love an action shot taken by my friend Kate while on tour in New South Wales in 2019. Not only because she nailed the timing, but it also represents an exciting time in my life. I was dancing a lot and spending every day with good friends doing what we loved, and I was about to move to Dublin, Ireland to pursue more dancing opportunities. This photo takes me back to a real turning point in my life.
Describe the best meal you’ve ever eaten.
Once of my favourite parts of travelling is trying as many vegan food spots as possible in each city. Choosing one meal is difficult, but my trip to China had a big impact on my palate (which was a surprise!). From the hot pots and street market tofu, to the steamed red bean buns and chilli noodles – I’d go back in a heartbeat to experience it all again. As far as desserts go, I can’t stop thinking about a vegan raspberry cream pastry I had at Det Rene Brød bakery in Copenhagen.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person?
Someone who is reliable, positive, open-minded, genuine and supportive.
What are the best five songs on your playlist?
My playlists are constantly changing however some long-term favourites that will always be in rotation are:
Lost – Frank Ocean
Places to Be – Fred again
Fast Car – Jonas Blue & Dakota
Say it Right- Nelly Furtado
Express – Christina Aguilera
And because I have to sneak a trad tune in: Repeal the Union – Mec Lir
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Your life philosophy is …
To stay curious. Whether it’s traveling to experience new cultures, learning a new skill, moving to another city, exploring a new career path, or pursuing a hobby that’s always been on your mind, I believe there’s value in following what genuinely draws you in. Who knows where it will lead.
When opportunities arise to try something that lights you up, I think it’s worth taking them. You never know what’s around the corner or how life might unfold, so you might as well give things a go while you can.
Emily Erickson is performing in A Celtic Christmas at Her Majesty’s Theatre on December 20.
