Bio: Mikayla Osborne

Mikayla Osborne (Nangle) is a dance artist, choreographer, and mixed media practitioner currently based in British Columbia, Canada. As a freelance artist, Mikayla crafts avant-garde choreographies that push the boundaries between movement, film and environmental commentaries. 

After studying at Sydney Dance Company, Mikayla’s professional career began in Newcastle, NSW, where she has honed her craft and contributed significantly to the dance scene as a member of Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub for the past 6 years, under the esteemed direction of renowned director Cadi McCarthy. Mikayla has performed in theatres, galleries and site-specific works all across Australia. 

As Mikayla's career evolved, she transitioned into the role of producer within Catapult, paving the way for her foray into choreography. Her groundbreaking work, "In the Absence, a choice," a choose-your-own-adventure dance film commissioned by Octapod for the TiNa festival, marked a new chapter of experimental exploration. This was swiftly followed by her crowning achievement as the overall winner of the Hunter Emerging Art Prize in 2022, with her dance film "We Fell." 

In 2022 Mikayla and Jack Tuckerman self-choreographed and performed their debut work "Fault Lines," a sold-out choreographic performance that mesmerised audiences at The Lock-up. Following the success of the work, Mikayla was invited on multiple creative residencies in Sydney where she developed her personal practice ahead of moving to Canada at the end of 2023. This year Mikayla will have residencies in Vancouver and Toronto, continuing to push the boundaries of movement, film, and environmental commentary and the ways in which audiences experience art.

Creative Sparks Ignited

By Mikayla Osborne: Alumni

During my time at Nowra Anglican College, I immersed myself in dance, drama and art classes, fostering a profound connection with the world of performing arts. I seized the opportunity to participate in all three musicals during my tenure: "Annie," "The Sound of Music," and "Oklahoma." These experiences exposed me to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail inherent in NAC’s theatrical productions, igniting my fervour for the transformative power of performance.

In Year 10, I was part of the inaugural class at NAC to introduce a dance curriculum, spearheaded by Mrs. Jessica Pound. This initiative led my class to perform in Sydney and Wollongong eisteddfods, collaborative events with other schools and within NAC itself. Despite the program not continuing into my Year 11, I was encouraged to persevere with the unwavering support of my teachers, continuing my studies through distance education. 

The drama classroom became a safe haven throughout my entire high school journey, and I know many of my peers would say the same. Participation in the Theatre Sports program further enriched my high school experience, especially when our team secured second place at the National Theatre Sports competition at Enmore Theatre. Encouraged by my endlessly dedicated drama teacher, Mrs. Laura Turner, I was also provided the opportunity to compete in the local HSC solo performance competition at Nowra Players. Mrs. Turner's unwavering dedication to fostering a love for drama among her students, coupled with her genuine concern for our well-being, cultivated a strong sense of community among drama enthusiasts at NAC. 

Under the mentorship of passionate art teachers, I delved into the nuances of composition, discovering my creative voice, and understanding how artistic decisions resonate differently with audiences. I had the privilege of participating in art camps at Bundanon, a revelation that later in my career I realised was one of the most coveted creative residency locations in Australia. Throughout high school we were able to experiment with a multitude of mediums and not only learn art history and its importance, but learn how to draw inspiration from other artists. For my HSC major work, my art teacher's relentless encouragement and curiosity about our creations pushed us to delve deeper, challenging us to explore beyond the obvious interpretations. This approach has profoundly influenced my artistic career and creative choices in my professional work. 

The nurturing environment and support I received at Nowra Anglican College planted the seeds of my fascination with the professional creative world. The teachers at Nowra Anglican College go above and beyond for their students and provide them with as many opportunities as they can outside of the classroom. Equipped with foundational tools and experiences, I was able to confidently embark on a journey to pursue a career I deeply cherished and was profoundly passionate about.