Have you ever wondered what a Physie Champion gets up to in the off season? What does a physie girl do when she doesn’t have her weekly class to attend?! Here is a glimpse of what Lauren Perry, the NSW Open Senior 23-24 year old State champion, has been doing in her time off.
What is your physie story?
I officially started physie 18 years ago when I was 6 years old. My mum first took me to a class when I was 4 years old but I was so shy that it ended in tears when Kim said hello, but it didn’t take me long to fall in love with our sport. I have been with Nepean ever since and have seen our club grow and flourish into the big family it is today. I began co-teaching in 2011 which I loved and was then asked to become an associate in 2013, I found a whole new love for physie when I began teaching and loved seeing our girls achieve a part of the routine, achieve a goal and work towards new ones, watching a team form, and having fun whilst working hard each 
lesson. Growing up I was very lucky to be at nationals each year which was always a great experience. Then when I was 15 I made my first Opera House which was a day I will never forge and I was on cloud 9 until Opera House night! I was awarded my first ever prize that night which was something I always dreamt of but never thought would happen. I won my section in 2014 and 2015, both nights the memories are a little blurry due to overwhelming shock and excitement. I then achieved the ultimate dream of making grand in 2016 and become a challenger in 2018, thinking about either makes me cry happy tears instantly. I have always been proud of my achievements, looking back I’m prouder of the work that goes on before it, and it always makes me happy when people say “you can just see how much you love physie”, to me that is the biggest win because performing and hopefully making someone smile is what I love the most.
lesson. Growing up I was very lucky to be at nationals each year which was always a great experience. Then when I was 15 I made my first Opera House which was a day I will never forge and I was on cloud 9 until Opera House night! I was awarded my first ever prize that night which was something I always dreamt of but never thought would happen. I won my section in 2014 and 2015, both nights the memories are a little blurry due to overwhelming shock and excitement. I then achieved the ultimate dream of making grand in 2016 and become a challenger in 2018, thinking about either makes me cry happy tears instantly. I have always been proud of my achievements, looking back I’m prouder of the work that goes on before it, and it always makes me happy when people say “you can just see how much you love physie”, to me that is the biggest win because performing and hopefully making someone smile is what I love the most.
What’s your earliest physie memory?
My earliest physie memory was my first year going to watch the Opera House when I was 8 years old, we came out at interval and I was dancing around the main foyer and seeing all the beautiful performers with their big hair and sparkly makeup, and thinking how much I wanted to be just like them when I was older.
What’s the most important thing that you’ve got out of physie?
Physie has given me so many important life skills, but I think what I value the most is confidence. There are many times both in physie or my personal life where I have felt self doubt creeping in, but I then remember to trust myself, have faith in my skills, and strive to do the best I can. I thank physie everyday for this.
As a performer, do you have a favourite routine that has stuck with you over the years? Why is it your favourite?
I have so many, but two that I will always love are September which was my 2nd year dance and the relaxed when I was a Novice Senior. These two routines you could completely lose yourself in the music, they were exciting, and for me brought so much happiness each time I performed them.
What did your physie preparation/routine for 2020 look like when NSW went in to lockdown?In 2020 of course things were a little different, but I spent most days going out for walks or a run to keep my fitness, and for a moment some at home gym sessions. We had our physie zoom lessons and when allowed outdoor classes started each week which also was a staple in my routine, we also had some zoom yoga classes which I really enjoyed and helped with my flexibility.
Who and what kept you motivated throughout this difficult physie year?
Definitely my teacher who kept physie challenging and fun as always even during such a difficult time and when we got back to class got us working hard which is exactly what we all needed. My partner was also a massive support, she would come on walks and encourage me when things were feeling a little tough or overwhelming, which I appreciated more than ever.
Give us 5 words that explain how you feel when you do physie.
Excited, strong, powerful, beautiful, happy.
Physie Dolls!
This beautiful keepsake doll can be personalised to look just like you! Every bespoke doll is 100% handmade
PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS.
No doubt you’ve been listening to your teacher, you know your routines fairly well and you’ve been working
TIP OF THE WEEK – PRONE LIE
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Lie on your tummy. What could go wrong? Well, there are some very simple
Try this at home!
Every physie girl aims to do high kicks in front, but there are a couple of important things
HEIDI BOARDMAN PERFORMING ART GALLERY
Photography by Heidi Boardman
