Professional dancer Christopher Politis has built one of the most varied careers in Australian dance. From full-time training to touring productions, adjudicating competitions and sitting on audition panels, Chris has seen the industry from every angle. We caught up with him to talk training, career advice and what it really takes to make it as a dancer.
Getting to Know Professional Dancer Christopher Politis
Chris trained full-time before carving out a performance career that spans stage, touring and the competition circuit. At the time of this interview, he was a lead performer in Matador The Show, a nationally touring production blending dance, burlesque and circus. It is the kind of show that demands versatility, strength and serious stage presence.
We asked Chris to reflect on his journey and share what he knows with dancers who are just starting out.
On Full-Time Training
Chris is direct about what full-time training requires. It is not just about hours in the studio. It is about consistency, resilience and being coachable. He says the dancers who progress are the ones who take feedback seriously and keep showing up even when progress feels slow.
His advice for students considering full-time training:
- Research your school carefully. Speak to graduates, not just current students.
- Be honest about your technical level before you audition.
- Prepare your body before you start. Strength and conditioning matter as much as flexibility.
- Know that the first year is often the hardest. Push through it.
On Building a Dance Career in Australia
Australia has a strong dance industry, but it is competitive. Chris has worked across commercial, theatre and touring productions, and he is clear that diversity is an asset. The dancers who work consistently are the ones who can move between styles, take direction quickly and present themselves professionally in auditions.
He also notes that the dance world is small. Your reputation follows you. How you behave in class, in rehearsal and in auditions matters more than most young dancers realise.
Key takeaways from Chris on career building:
- Keep training even when you are working. Never stop developing.
- Be on time. Always. For everything.
- Learn how to take a correction without getting defensive.
- Build relationships with teachers, choreographers and directors. The industry runs on trust.
- Social media is a portfolio. Keep it professional and consistent.
On Adjudicating and Audition Panels
Chris has sat on both sides of the table, as a competitor and as a judge. He says the biggest mistake dancers make at competitions and auditions is not being present. They are thinking about what just happened or worrying about what comes next. The performance suffers because of it.
When he adjudicates, he is looking for commitment. Technical skill is expected at a high level. What separates dancers is their ability to connect with the material and perform it fully, not just execute it.
On Jazz Dance Specifically
Jazz was a foundation style for Chris throughout his training. He sees it as one of the most important styles for any commercial or theatre dancer to develop. It builds coordination, musicality and performance quality in a way that transfers across genres.
For students working on their jazz technique, Chris emphasises grounded movement, sharp isolations and understanding the music rather than just counting beats. If you are building up your jazz wardrobe for class or competition, it is worth investing in pieces that allow full movement without restriction. You can browse our jazz dancewear range to find well-fitted options for both students and performers.
Practical Advice for Dance Parents
Parents play a big role in a young dancer's experience. Chris encourages parents to support their child's passion without adding pressure around outcomes. Let the teacher teach. Trust the process. A child who loves being in the studio will do better long term than one who feels like every class is a performance review.
If your child is training seriously, make sure their dancewear fits correctly. Ill-fitting clothes affect how a teacher sees alignment and technique. For jazz specifically, fitted pants or shorts and a well-sized top or leotard are the standard. Check our jazz dance clothing collection for options suited to students at every level.
Final Thoughts from Chris
The through line in everything Chris shared is this: treat dance like a profession from day one, even if you are twelve years old and in your first jazz class. The habits you build early become the foundations of your career. Train hard, behave well and perform with everything you have.
