From Dua Lipa to Guy Sebastian, from Opera Australia to Burn The Floor — Jackie Chambers’ career reads like a dance lover’s dream. A true chameleon of the stage, Jackie has seamlessly traversed the commercial, theatrical and cabaret worlds, carving out a career defined by versatility, artistry and courage.
Having performed with global icons including Dua Lipa, Tones and I, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, James Arthur, Natalie Conway, The Veronicas, Peach PRC and Human Nature’s Phil Burton, Jackie has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most adaptable and expressive performers. Her stage credits include Dream Dance Company’s ICON, Opera Australia’s La Traviata on Sydney Harbour, and the Burn The Floor Australian Tour — as well as work within film, television and high-profile commercial campaigns such as Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Rebel Wilson’s The Deb and SkyCity’s latest campaign.
In recent years, Jackie’s star has shone even brighter within the cabaret scene, performing and directing in Melbourne’s VIVA and Brisbane’s Blanc de Blanc Encore, while expanding her artistry as an aerialist and creative director.
Finding Freedom in Cabaret
“The cabaret world feels like a space without creative limitations — it’s one big playground for me,” says Jackie.
For Jackie, cabaret has become an artistic home. She thrives on the freedom it offers — the permission to play, to shift characters, to fuse genres and to connect deeply with audiences.
“I feel an amazing sense of freedom when I can explore, create and perform such a variety of characters, dance genres and comedy acts all within the same show,” she explains. “Breaking the fourth wall makes every night different. The intimacy between me and the audience often allows for vulnerability and humour to be created in the moment. It’s spontaneous, raw and alive — and that’s what makes it so special.”
It’s that constant evolution — the unknown that each show brings — that keeps her inspired and creatively agile. “Everyone is present and fully immersed in the experience,” Jackie says. “That has always been so exciting and inspiring for me.”
From Stage to Screen
Jackie’s talent has also translated effortlessly to screen, appearing in film projects including Elvis and The Deb. For her, dancing for camera and performing live offer two entirely different kinds of satisfaction.
“It’s effectively like comparing a marathon to a sprint,” she laughs. “Film sets like The Deb are slower-paced and detail-oriented — you repeat movements to ‘get the shot’. You’re a small piece of the puzzle, so communication with the creative team is everything.
Onstage, whether it’s a televised performance with an artist or a full-scale theatre show, it’s 100% energy from start to finish — it’s high intensity, live, and electric. Both are epically fun for completely different reasons.”
Versatility by Design — or Destiny
While many dancers set out to build diverse résumés, Jackie’s broad career has unfolded more intuitively.
“I didn’t intentionally aim to be involved in such diverse areas,” she reflects. “I think I was just drawn to what excited me — new choreographers, new genres, new challenges. My ‘why’ has always been about curiosity and creative pull, not a strategic plan. Keeping an open mind and a student mindset has allowed me to grow in unexpected ways.”
Her openness has become her superpower — allowing her to move fluidly between the commercial, theatrical, and artistic worlds with authenticity and ease.
Balancing Artistry and Wellbeing
Like many full-time performers, Jackie has had to learn how to sustain her mind and body amid the demands of touring and long creative seasons.
“Some performers are naturally resilient,” she says. “For me, it’s been trial and error — learning what my body and mind need to stay balanced.”
Her self-care philosophy is equal parts practical and soulful: quality sleep, consistent training, yoga, time in nature, and the occasional class “just for fun.”
“Sometimes I struggle with the repetitiveness of a long tour or the stress of an intense project,” she admits. “So I find time away from that environment — to reset my perspective. Spending time with non-industry friends, working on passion projects, or taking contemporary class purely for enjoyment helps me reconnect with why I love what I do.”
The Essence of an Unforgettable Performer
For Jackie, the magic of a performer has less to do with perfection and more to do with presence.
“There’s nothing more mesmerising than someone who performs with full vulnerability and the courage to share it,” she says. “That’s the ineffable magic you can’t label — when someone is performing from their heart and as their true self. It inspires me to do the same.”
Her own performances reflect that same raw authenticity — blending exceptional technique with emotional honesty and creative risk.
Looking Ahead: Aerial Dreams and Contemporary Roots
The future looks bright — and gravity-defying. Jackie is diving deeper into aerial work within cabaret, combining her dance background with new physical storytelling forms.
“I’m really excited about using my dance training as a base for aerial work and creating new acts within the cabaret world,” she shares. “I’d also love to revisit my contemporary roots — working with companies like Stephanie Lake Company, Lucy Guerin, or physical theatre innovators Legs On The Wall. That world feels grounding and expansive at the same time.”
The Influences That Shaped Her
Throughout her journey, Jackie has been mentored by some of Australia’s most respected creatives.
“I always cherish time with Kelley Abbey,” she says. “Her wisdom, drive, and attention to detail have massively shaped me. Working and training with her always reignites my inner fire.”
She also credits Paris Cavanagh as a major artistic influence: “Paris’ continual creativity and authenticity inspire me every time we work together. I’m grateful to have had such epic people shape me as an artist — and as a person.”
A Star Who Keeps Evolving
From her early beginnings as a bright young student to her current status as one of Australia’s most multifaceted performers, Jackie Chambers continues to expand her artistry with fearlessness and grace.
As both a dancer and aerialist, she’s rewriting what it means to be a versatile artist — one who blends technique, storytelling, and spirit in equal measure.
“It’s a privilege to be able to do what I love for work,” she reflects. “And the moment I step on stage — or into the air — that joy always comes flooding back.”
