From small-town beginnings in Tasmania to performing alongside Katy Perry at the Super Bowl, Lockhart Brownlie’s story is one of courage, persistence, and pure love of dance. Today, the internationally acclaimed performer and choreographer is not only making his mark on global stages but also giving back to the community that shaped him, co-founding the Tasmanian Dance Expo with longtime friend and fellow artist, Renee Ritchie.
A Leap of Faith
“I always saw myself leaving Tasmania to dance,” Lockhart recalls. “I wanted to go to Brent Street at 14, but my parents made me wait until 17.” Once in Sydney, his hunger for opportunity only grew — and a short training trip to Los Angeles changed everything.
“I went to an open agency audition just to ‘experience an American audition,’” he laughs. “It was like 500 people, and somehow I was one of 12 chosen. That audition led to signing with MSA, a visa, and within eight months I was living in the States. The rest is history.”
First Break – Britney and Glee
Lockhart’s first big job in LA was performing on Glee during the iconic Britney Spears tribute episode — a surreal full-circle moment. “That music video was the reason I wanted to be a backup dancer as a kid. To land in LA and re-enact it for my very first job — it was a total pinch-me moment.”
Life with Pop Icons
Soon after, Lockhart’s career skyrocketed. He toured the world with Katy Perry on both her California Dreams and Prismatic tours, performed at the 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show, joined Taylor Swift’s RED tour, worked with Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and even collaborated with Elton John.
Among countless highlights, one moment stands out: “Performing ‘Firework’ with Katy Perry at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, with my whole family in the audience. I had tears in my eyes. It was everything — my roots, my family, and my dream all coming together in one performance.”
Broadway & Beyond
Lockhart’s versatility has taken him from commercial pop to the bright lights of Broadway. After performing in Wicked in Australia as a teenager, he returned a decade later to join the Broadway cast in New York. “Doing it at 18 versus coming back after touring the world — it was a completely different experience. I had matured, connected to the story in new ways, and really savoured what it meant to perform on Broadway.”
He’s also appeared on Glee, True Blood, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Palm Royale, Hit The Floor, and more — while carving out a reputation as a creative force. Today, he balances performing with producing his own projects, including Brolesque, a New York–based queer cabaret-burlesque show.
Giving Back – Tasmanian Dance Expo
Despite his global success, Lockhart’s heart is firmly tied to his roots. With Renee Ritchie, he co-founded the Tasmanian Dance Expo, a three-day event that connects young dancers with industry professionals and international opportunities.
“It feels incredible to give back to Tasmania,” he says. “Growing up, we didn’t realise we could reach the same standards as dancers in Sydney or Melbourne. To now create a space where Tasmanian dancers can train, network, and even be nominated for opportunities like America’s Got Talent — it’s really special. I wish I had that when I was there.”
The Teachers Who Shaped Him
Lockhart credits his teachers for laying the foundation of his career. “Vicki Press, my jazz and tap teacher, always instilled Broadway dreams in me. My ballet teachers opened my eyes to more than the four walls of a studio. They nurtured my creativity and let me explore choreography and artistry. That encouragement made me believe anything was possible.”
What’s Next?
After ticking off nearly every box on a dancer’s dream list, Lockhart still has big goals ahead. “I’d love to do a movie musical — something iconic like Chicago. And I’m developing my own works, like Brolesque, with hopes of creating original productions for Broadway or Vegas one day.”
Advice for the Next Generation
So, what would he say to the next young dreamer from Tasmania or beyond?
“Dream as big as you can — but also visualise yourself there. See yourself on that stage, dancing with your idol. Then map out the steps to get there. You’re building yourself as a business, so plan it out — but never stop dreaming big.”
