Dance and Design: Inside the World of Adelaide-based Dancer, Graphic Designer & Creative, Leia Ahmed
Photo: Zane Qureshi
Could you tell me your name, age and a little bit about yourself?
My name is Leia Ahmed. Same name as Princess Leia because my parents love Star Wars. I am 25-years-old and I am from East Malaysia from an island called Borneo. I am half native Bornean and half Indonesian. I came to Adelaide when I was 19, so about 6.5 years now. I am a dancer, I’ve been dancing since I was twelve years old, and I am a graphic designer.
How did you first get into dance?
I loved watching Step Up as a kid.
How did you first get into art and graphic design?
I’ve always wanted to be a graphic designer since I was 10 or 11 years old. I already knew I wanted to be in that field because I saw the future in a futuristic way. I moved here to get into uni to study graphic design specifically.
How would you describe your style of design?
I am very playful with colours and typefaces. I like being bold with it.
Most generic question, but who or what inspires you?
The people around me. Mainly my parents because they work really hard to get to where I am now.
What are your thoughts on the Adelaide creative scene?
Adelaide Creative scene is actually very big, we’re just underground and I think we don’t get enough credit for the work that we do.
Your choreography and dancing style are unique. How do you come up with ideas for new creative concepts and dance moves?
I used to have to come up with something new every week. It’s actually very tiring mentally and physically trying to come up with new ideas, but I try to come up with something new because the people who come to dance inspire me to create more and they push me a lot.
What’s your favourite musician right now?
Tommy Richman
What’s your all-time favourite film?
I love The Devil Wears Prada.
What’s your favourite Step Up film?
Step Up 2 The Streets and Step Up 3d.
What is your wildest dream as a creative?
I want to create my graphic design studio and try to combine it with dance.
Now this magazine is titled “Homebody” What makes you feel most at home?
After work and going home and being in my room. Moody lights, candles on, watching a movie with the heater blasting.
What dish or food reminds you of home?
Fried Chicken from Home.
Do you take any influence or elements from your culture and heritage when you approach projects?
I also think about where I’m from. I love all my projects; they always come from my roots, and I love to study the background a bit.
What’s one thing you’d love to contribute back to your culture?
I recognise my island. I feel that not a lot of people know about Borneo, so I want to push, not just the tourism side that we’re known for, but also the other stuff.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career similar to yours?
You have to believe in yourself because there is this phrase I always say, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it”.
