Amber Ivers

By Danielle Brown

published in print: September 2024

Amber Ivers is a distinguished professional dancer and choreographer with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts industry. A graduate of Conroy Performing Arts College (CPAC), Amber has built an impressive career that spans both Australia and international stages. Her extensive resume includes standout roles as the Co-Creator for Finesse Burlesque, Dance Captain for Step One Dance Company, Showgirl at Lido de Paris, and numerous other prestigious positions. Her performances have taken her across the globe, from cruise ships and entertainment groups to grand stages like Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.

Beyond her performance career, Amber is well-educated in her craft, having completed her RAD Advanced 2 exam with Distinction, Level 8 Jazz with Honours Plus with Comdance, as well as holding Comdance teaching Certificates & Diplomas in Classical, Jazz & Tap. Her achievements extend into directing and stage production, where she has served as Producer and Choreographer for Finesse Burlesque and as an Audition Instructor for Norwegian Cruise Lines, among other roles.

In this interview, Amber shares insights into her journey as a dancer, her thoughts on current industry trends, and how her training at CPAC laid the foundation for her long-lasting career. We delve into her experience navigating the competitive world of dance, her approach to balancing artistry with physical well-being, and how she turned the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns into an opportunity by creating Finesse Burlesque. Amber’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep passion for the performing arts, making her a true pioneer in her field.

Working as a freelance artist, you’re constantly moving from job to job. How important is it to take a break and have a holiday?
Amber: It’s incredibly important. I’ve realised this more as I’ve gotten older. When I was younger, I had this mentality that as an artist, I always needed to be working. But with time, I’ve learned the value of stepping back, resetting, and taking a break from the dance world we live in. It’s actually been really beneficial for my career. Taking that time to switch off, go on vacation, and just be a “normal” person for a while has helped me recharge. Now, I truly enjoy those moments of downtime, and I’ve seen how they help me thrive professionally.

What initially drew you to CPAC’s full-time course in 2011?
Amber: What drew me in was the versatility of their training. CPAC doesn’t just prepare you for your first contract or the current dance trend. They set you up for a long, sustainable career. I’m now in my 12th year as a professional dancer, and I credit my longevity to the foundation they provided. Unlike some other studios that focus on competitions or what’s trendy, CPAC trains you to stand out with your versatility and sustain a long-term career in the industry, rather than fading out after a few years, which can happen.

What advice would you give to other dancers trying to choose the right training studio for themselves?
Amber: I would say, do your research and make sure to experience what the studio is about firsthand. Look into their values and morals, and see if it aligns with what you’re looking for. What worked for me might not work for someone else, so it’s important to find the right fit for you. Don’t get swayed by what looks popular on social media—what’s important is that the training feels right for you and sets you up for success in the way you need.

What are your thoughts on the competition industry in Australia?
Amber: Competitions are great for gaining performance experience, but if you aspire to be a professional artist, don’t focus solely on them. Nowadays, competitions are heavily focused on tricks and flashy movements, which don’t necessarily translate to success in a professional career. For example, I’ve never had to perform any of those tricks in my professional work. The performance aspect of competitions is valuable, but it shouldn’t be your only focus if you’re serious about a long-term career.

How old were you when you transitioned to full-time training, and was that a difficult choice?
Amber: I was 15 when I decided to go full-time. I stepped away from traditional high school and homeschooled for Years 11 and 12 while dedicating myself fully to dance. It wasn’t a difficult choice for me at all—it was something I was very clear about.

How did you balance your academics with the demands of a full-time dance program?
Amber: It was definitely challenging. My drive to become a professional performer was so strong that it pushed me through the tough days. The fatigue and tiredness were real, but the goal of becoming a professional dancer kept me going. My time at CPAC helped build resilience, which is crucial in this industry. They taught us to push through with healthy boundaries, knowing that in the real world, you might be rehearsing for weeks, dancing 12 hours a day. That kind of preparation was invaluable.

Can you share some standout moments from your career that you hold dear?
Amber: It’s hard to pick just a few because I feel very fortunate in my career. Performing on cruise ships stands out for the sheer difficulty and the chance to use skills I’ve trained for years. Dancing at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin was incredible too—we worked with amazing choreographers like Brian Friedman, and Jean Paul Gaultier even designed our costumes. Standing in the dressing room with Gaultier, wearing the iconic Madonna cones, was surreal. Another highlight was backup dancing for a rock band in Germany, performing in open-air stadiums with up to 100,000 people. But perhaps my biggest highlight has been producing and creating my own show, Finesse Burlesque which toured Australia starting in 2021. That was a pinnacle moment for me.

Have you always had the desire to create, or is that something that developed over time?
Amber: That creative drive definitely developed over time, thanks to my training and performing career. It started when I was at CPAC, where Shelle Conroy taught us not just dance but also the production side of things—how to turn on microphones, work with receivers, and set up speakers. Those skills planted a seed, and as I observed more throughout my career, I realised that producing a show wasn’t as complicated as it seemed. It’s a lot of work, but my experiences gave me the confidence to give it a go.

How did you come to create Finesse Burlesque? Was it a planned project or something that came together organically?
Amber: The initial drive came when COVID hit. I had been working in Paris and had to fly home. All my friends, who are also professional dancers, were suddenly out of work and back home too. My sister, also a dancer, was home, and the borders were locked. I thought, “We’ve got all this incredible talent sitting idle, let’s create something.” It wasn’t just for the artists but also for the general public, to bring some magic and sparkle back into their lives during a difficult time. That was the spark, and from there, ideas for the show’s content started to take shape. It was like a big puzzle, and piece by piece, we put it together until we had a show.

How did you manage to get Finesse Burlesque on stage during such a challenging time?
Amber: We started by viewing some venues in Brisbane. Because it was during COVID, venues were eager to rent out spaces since they were struggling too. Once we had initial success, it became much easier to pitch the show to other theatres in different cities and states. COVID actually created this unique opportunity, and we were able to seize it while many others were still figuring things out.

How important is it for you to give back to your Conroy family?
Amber: It’s extremely important to me. Every time I’m home, I make it a point to go back and give back to the studio that shaped my career. Conroy’s feels like a second family to me. Going back to choreograph, teach, and inspire the next generation of dancers is incredibly rewarding. It’s a great feeling to show them that if I can make it from where they are, then they can too. It’s fulfilling to help bring up the next generation and encourage them to pursue their dreams.

How do you stay performance-fit when you’re traveling from job to job in different countries?
Amber: It depends on the workload. For example, when I was working in France doing 12 shows a week, my focus was more on maintaining my body through walking, yoga, and stretching, rather than intense training because the shows themselves were physically demanding. On the other hand, when I’m on a cruise ship where the workload is lighter, I have to be more proactive about my training. It’s about staying motivated and remembering the longevity of my career. If I want to keep dancing for a long time, I need to stay committed to my health and fitness.

Do you ever feel nervous attending new classes, even with your experience?
Amber: Definitely. It’s natural to feel nervous when you’re stepping into a new environment, especially when everyone is watching each other, but I’ve learned to manage that. I’ve built a strong foundation, so even when I’m nervous, I know I can adapt. Taking new classes keeps me sharp and helps me grow, even if it’s outside my comfort zone.

How do you approach classes that are focused on tricks and trends if they don’t align with your style?
Amber: I’m selective about which trends I follow. Social media trends can be tempting, but they’re often short-lived. Instead of trying to master every trick, I focus on what’s sustainable for my body, mind and career. I might modify movements to suit what’s beneficial for me. My goal is longevity in this industry, so I stay true to my style and focus on building versatile skills that will serve me in the long run.

What drives you, especially in such a challenging profession where rejection is common?
Amber: What keeps me going is a strong sense of self-love and internal work. I remind myself that everyone, from Beyoncé to a high school student, experiences rejection. For me, rejection is just redirection—it’s an opportunity to reassess, try something new, or take a different path. It’s important to be your own biggest supporter. If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too. I also remind myself that those setbacks are just part of the journey, and overcoming them makes the end goal even more rewarding. That mindset helps me keep pushing forward.

Amber Ivers embodies the essence of resilience, creativity, and dedication within the performing arts. Her journey from the stages of Australia to the grand theatres of Europe and beyond is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. Through her extensive experience and education, Amber has not only excelled as a dancer and choreographer but has also carved out a space for herself as a director and producer, with projects like Finesse Burlesque. Amber’s ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire others, even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights her as a true leader in the dance industry. Her story is one of passion and perseverance, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to forge a lasting career in the performing arts.
https://finesseburlesque.com/