Two Newcastle entertainers are dancing their way into international stardom after spending six months in India performing in major overseas productions alongside global artists.
Mary Dundas, of Belmont, and Merewether Heights’ Olivia Park recently returned home after completing a contract with Mumbai-based agency Glowshow Entertainment.
During their deal, the duo featured in multiple music videos, commercials and stage productions with several projects attracting millions of views on YouTube and streaming platforms.
They danced alongside big names such as Calum Scott, Jacqueline Fernandez and Nora Fatehi and even appeared in three films that later reached Netflix’s global Top 10.
“Working alongside artists that we grew up dancing and listening to has to be one of the biggest ‘pinch me’ moments in our career thus far,” Dundas said.
“One day we’d be filming in a temple lit by candles, the next we’d be on a stadium stage in front of thousands of cricket fans.”
Among their highlights was performing in the music video for Scott’s Always, which was shot entirely in a single take.
“Everything had to be perfectly timed,” Olivia explained.
“The cameraman was moving backwards through the set with this massive camera, weaving around obstacles while we danced.
“Watching it come together was mind-blowing.”
Their work also included cheerleading for the Indian Premier League (IPL), International Masters League (IML) and Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) with family and friends back in Australia able to spot them on TV.
Adapting to the demands of the industry wasn’t easy.
“By the hotter months, we were performing outside in 40-degree heat,” Olivia said.
“You learn to come prepared… fans, towels, touch-up makeup and the crew always made sure we had water and snacks to keep going.”
Performing internationally also expanded their dance vocabulary.
“We both fell in love with the belly dancing elements… the beautiful arm and hand movements intertwined with commercial elements that we would execute in rehearsals and on set,” Mary said.
Now back in Newcastle, the pair is resting, reconnecting and preparing to return to India in October for more projects.
“We’re really grateful for the support we’ve had from home,” said Olivia.
“It’s been great to be in Newcastle again… but we’re excited to head back and see where this takes us next.”
The pair is expected to feature in more music videos and live performances upon their return, continuing to represent Australian talent on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages.
- University of Newcastle journalism student Annabelle Mahoney
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