Sabrina McCarthy dance career takes her from Sunshine Coast to London

A Sunshine Coast dancer and choreographer has shared her journey from being a toddler in a leotard to working with famous artists and travelling internationally, with hopes to inspire the next generation.

Sabrina McCarthy now lives in London and works internationally as part of her dance career. Photo: contributed

A passionate, fiery dancer and choreographer who grew up on the Sunshine Coast hopes to inspire the younger generation by sharing her journey to performing across the world and living it up in London.

Sabrina McCarthy, 26, works as a dancer, teacher and choreographer and has been living in London for the past two years after pouring her heart and soul into her craft since the age of five.

Ms McCarthy said her passion to be on stage emerged watching older friends and family on dance shows and she did her foundational training in all styles on the Sunshine Coast.

Sabrina McCarthy started dancing from the young age of five on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: contributed.

Starting at Fierce Studios in Noosaville and moving on to learn hip hop at The House of Sole in Burnside, Ms McCarthy was able to compete in the US from a very young age and won world titles with her team.

“I started teaching and choreographing at the age of 12 and have never looked back since,” she said.

Ms McCarthy moved to Sydney in 2019 and choreographed at some of the country’s most prestigious studios while snagging titles in international competitions across Australasia, she said.

“I gained work as a commercial dancer and I also worked on my brand, and my built my name as a recognisable entity in the country,” Ms McCarthy said.

She said her move to London was the “next stepping stone” after 20 years of dedication.

Sabrina McCarthy at a dance camp. Photo: contributed.

“I’ve always had huge dreams and put my heart and courage first and even if things have scared me, I know they’re the steps I need to take to continually be moving me closer to where I want to be,” Ms McCarthy said.

Her life has turned into a “whirlwind dream,” travelling across Europe and Asia to teach at dance camps and conventions most weeks.

Since the move in 2022, she has worked in 35 new countries, with some of her favourite experiences including being a back-up dancer for rapper 50 Cent, dancing for artist Loreen on BBC and taking part in artist Bree Runaway’s latest music video.

Sabrina McCarthy (backright) dancing with Swedish artist Loreen. Photo: contributed

“Also the opportunities and life experience teaching and travelling has given me are second to none,” Ms McCarthy said.

She advised young dancers training to become professionals that the journey will not be easy and said she had missed many family events, birthdays, weddings and more to commit herself to training.

“But I think when you love something so much and you know it’s your purpose, it doesn’t matter,” she said.

Sabrina McCarthy has been able to travel internationally as part of her career. Photo: contributed

Ms McCarthy said she felt fortunate to have a small impact on the next generation after mentoring “her kids” in Australia over the years.

Australia’s talent and work ethic are still “second to none” of all the countries she has visited, Ms McCarthy said.

She hoped for any aspiring professionals to stay to true to their artistic self and to do “what sets their own souls on fire”.

“Have courage to always take those leaps that scare you and may not always be the path that everyone else is taking,” she said.

“You make your own blueprint in life so trust the process and as long as yor work hard, are a good person and stay true to yourself, your life is always going to unfold to where you want to be.”

Sabrina McCarthy. Photo: contributed.

Ms McCarthy plans to gain a working visa for the US as the next career leap, pursuing her childhood dreams of dancing with her favourite artists.

She thanked her past teachers, those who believed in her and her mother who sacrificed time and money to help her chase her dreams.

“I’m so proud to be Australian and to have experienced dance in our country and community,” Ms McCarthy said.

“I’ll always remember where I’m from and wave that flag no matter where life takes me.”