Today I have the immense privilege of speaking with Bangarra Dance Theatre’s James Boyd. James is a proud Aboriginal man with connections to the Kunja and Muruwari people of southwest Queensland. Born on Wiradjuri country in Orange, as a little boy, James wasn't quick to use his words, and had delayed speech. James's mum and dad then began to notice other things—James kept getting bruises. At just five years of age, James was diagnosed with Leukemia. In this most incredible episode, James shares his journey through cancer, the lows of hospital life, and also the highs when James was introduced to movement and music therapy as part of his recovery. And with that, he was introduced to dance. James then shares how he successfully auditioned for the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, and then how his world opened up at NAISDA Dance College. James then shares how, with his Leukemia is in remission, what it was like to receive a call from Frances Rings, the artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre. And then his decision to move to Sydney, which not only changed the course of his love life, but also defined his career.

James continues to dance with Bangarra Dance Theatre, sharing the joy of dance across Australia and the world. For Bangarra performance times and tickets, head to bangarra.com.au and to follow all of James's adventures, you can find him on Instagram @jamesrossboyd.

Talking Pointes is produced on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, to whom we pay our greatest respects. 

Production dream team ✨

Hosted by @byclaudialawson

Produced by @fjordreview

Additional Production @clinttopic

Sound & Editing @outputmedia

Studios @brightsidesydney

@sawtoothstudios