Talented, inspiring Traralgon dancer Indyana Hopman remembered for her individuality and ‘electric’ energy

“I am, and forever will be, lost without you here”: The family of a gifted Traralgon dancer have remembered her as an inspiring role model who was unstoppable on stage.

Beloved Traralgon dancer Indyana Hopman, 20, has been remembered as inspiring and encouraging to younger dancers. Picture: Facebook

A beloved and talented Traralgon dancer has been remembered as an intelligent and passionate performer with a gorgeous smile.

Indyana Hopman was killed in a crash in Ripplebrook, south of Drouin, on March 22.

The 20-year-old trained at Gippsland Academy of Dance in Morwell, Jazz Flowers Performing Arts, Transit Dance in Brunswick, 02 Studios in Melbourne and the Space Dance & Art Centre in Prahran.

Indyana’s dad Daniel Hopman said he missed his daughter dearly.

“Indyana, pumpkin-head, we are and will be so lost without you,” Mr Hopman said.

“My little adventure lover, an energetic, electric, feisty, and powerful being, I am, and forever will be, lost without you here. Fly high, Dad will always have a place in his big, proud heart for you – I love you.”

Indyana’s mother Sjaala Harbridge said her daughter’s passion for dance fuelled her soul, despite the challenges she faced.

Indy and her mother Sjaala Harbridge and father Daniel Hopman. Picture: Supplied

“Indy’s resilience and determination never wavered,” she said.

“She embraced obstacles as an opportunity to learn and grow, using her experiences to fuel her creativity.

“She knew the power of art to heal and uplift, and she used that platform to spread positivity and encouragement to anyone who needed it.

“Indy was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation of what her future could be and she will be forever loved and missed.”

Older sister Sjenna Harbridge said her sister was the embodiment of a true artist.

“The way she backflipped, danced, crafted, knitted, played, dressed, sang, wrote and grooved — everything was expressed through art,” Sjenna said.

“She used art and movement to express and process all her emotions in their entirety — from her struggles to love, joy and wins.

Indy was described as having "electric" energy and being unstoppable on stage. Picture: Supplied

“That’s what we’ve always asked from artists — for genuinity and vulnerability.”

Sjenna said was proud to be her sister and seeing her grow into such a unique, intelligent and ambitious creative was incredibly inspiring.

“I can’t really find the right words to truly honour her, but my heart is broken for all the dance classes, adventures, art and hugs we won’t share,” Sjenna added.

Transit Dance associate director Jayden Hicks told the Herald Sun he started working with Indyana in 2017 as part of a creative project.

“It was a fairly long relationship — having her in the studio … she was a beautiful energy,” Mr Hicks said.

Indy grew up having a passion for dance and was known as a gifted athlete. Picture: Supplied

“It was almost like electricity her being in the room — she was very energetic — she was a firecracker in what she could do.”

Mr Hicks said Indyana had incredible talent, and the team always enjoyed having her around.

“Especially during our time in the creative projects, she brought a lot of inspiration to the younger dancers, not just with her skills but how welcoming and encouraging she was to other dancers,” he said.

“And then getting on the stage, she was just unstoppable.

“What was so great about her was she had this amazing creativity — she was so good at creating movement, even her fashion and how she was in presenting herself was so unique and so individual.”

Indy and her partner of four years, Riley Adams. Picture: Supplied

Dozens of loved ones also shared their thoughts and emotions on social media, including her partner of four years Riley Adams.

He shared in a Facebook post that it didn’t feel real that the love of his life was gone.

“The person I spent every second with my best friend we taught each other everything we know we’ve grown from kids to adults together,” Riley said.

“I’m so lost without you — I miss you so much Indyana, your gorgeous smile and your loud voice, your passion for everything you do and your need to help others, you will always have a special place in my heart my angel xx.”

“My beautiful Indyana, exceptional dancer, op-shop haunter, cooler than I will ever be, confoundingly complicated, sincere and resilient,” Indyana’s aunt Sheridan Harbridge said.

“Wish we could go grab a coffee and gluten free pastry. Love you & miss you forever.”