There are dancers who light up a stage — and then there are dancers who quietly elevate everyone around them.
Talia Elfes belongs firmly in the second category.
With two professional contracts under her belt with Royal Caribbean, including a standout final contract as Dance Captain and Company Manager, international touring credits, major televised performances, and leadership roles across high-profile events, Talia’s career already reflects a rare blend of performance excellence, professionalism, and purpose.
And yet, speak to her for even a few minutes and one thing becomes clear: this is only the beginning.
From Performer to Leader: Life as Dance Captain at Sea
For many dancers, landing a cruise contract is the dream. For Talia, it became something even more — an unexpected training ground for leadership, balance, and emotional intelligence. 
“I’ve always loved performing,” she shares, “so stepping into leadership with my last contract was such an exciting opportunity for me.”
Serving as Dance Captain and Company Manager, Talia was juggling far more than choreography and cue points. Her days involved coordinating schedules, managing admin, leading rehearsals, performing nightly, and still finding moments to reset — mentally and physically.
But the biggest lesson wasn’t logistical.
“The most profound lesson was learning how to lead in a way that genuinely lifts people up,” she explains.
Talia is deeply proud of the environment she created onboard — one where dancers felt supported, confident, and empowered to grow. It’s a leadership style rooted not in authority, but empathy.
“This role shaped me not only as a performer, but as an individual,” she says. “It deepened my sense of responsibility, honed my empathy, and taught me how to lead with both strategic clarity and heartfelt intention.”
In an industry where pressure is constant, that balance is everything.
A Full-Circle Moment on One of Australia’s Biggest Stages
Touring internationally with the Hukum World Tour across Australia, the USA, and Canada delivered countless unforgettable moments — but one stands out as truly life-defining.
“Stepping onto the Qudos Bank Arena stage before a sold-out crowd,” Talia recalls.
As a child, she had sat in those same seats, watching other dancers perform and imagining what it might feel like to be on that stage herself. Years later, she was standing there — not dreaming, but doing.
“It was one of those full-circle moments where years of dedication and aspiration converge into a single, unforgettable experience.”
It’s a reminder many dancers need to hear: the venues that inspire you today may one day become your workplace — if you keep going.
Television, Choreography & Seeing the Bigger Picture 
Talia’s resume spans Channel 9’s Christmas with Delta, where she performed as both dancer and assistant choreographer, alongside a growing list of creative collaborations.
Her love for choreography began early.
“I discovered a love for choreography as a teenager,” she says. “Switching from dancer to creative collaborator definitely shifts your focus.”
As a dancer, the goal is to deliver your personal best. As a choreographer or assistant, the responsibility expands — shaping the energy of a group, building narrative, and translating vision through others.
“Seeing dancers embody your choreography is incredibly rewarding,” Talia shares. “It’s a different kind of pride, and I absolutely love it.”
That dual perspective — performer and creator — is fast becoming one of her greatest strengths.
Representing Australia on a Global Stage
One of Talia’s earliest international career highlights came at the Dubai World Expo, where she proudly represented Australia on a truly global platform.
“It was my first professional job on an international scale,” she says. “And being the youngest in the cast, I learned so much from the performers around me.”
The experience demanded adaptability — to new styles, new expectations, and new cultural perspectives.
“It taught me how important it is to stay open-minded,” she explains. “Dancing alongside performers from different cultures, learning from them, and sharing my own culture through movement was such a special and meaningful experience.”
It’s a lesson that continues to inform how she works today — wherever in the world she may be.
Versatility as a Superpower
Commercial. Corporate. Stage. Ship life. Television.
Talia has moved fluidly between performance environments that many dancers struggle to navigate — and she’s clear about what makes that possible.
“My superpower is my work ethic,” she says simply.
When she commits, she commits fully — whether that means mastering an unfamiliar style, adjusting to new conditions, or showing up every day with a growth mindset. 
“I try to immerse myself in every opportunity fully,” she explains. “I’m always drawing on lessons from previous experiences and the strong training foundation I grew up with.”
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being prepared.
Leading With Empathy
Dance Captain roles are demanding for a reason. You’re responsible not just for performance quality, but for morale, cohesion, and trust.
Talia’s approach is deeply people-focused.
“My leadership is grounded in empathy,” she shares. “I constantly see the experience through my cast’s perspective.”
She draws inspiration from the teachers and captains who shaped her — the ones who created safe, inspiring environments where dancers felt motivated to give their best.
“I believe your love for performing should be reflected in the way you lead,” she says.
While maintaining artistic integrity and high standards is essential, Talia believes how feedback is delivered matters just as much as the feedback itself.
“Clarity and compassion strengthen relationships and foster a resilient, positive team culture.”
In an industry that can sometimes feel harsh, that philosophy is quietly powerful.
Preparing for High-Pressure, High-Profile Work
From the Allianz Opening Ceremony to major commercial campaigns, Talia has been trusted in environments where precision, professionalism, and adaptability are non-negotiable.
“For me, preparation is everything,” she explains.
Maintaining physical fitness and overall wellbeing is essential — especially during long shoot days and intense rehearsal schedules. But mental preparation is just as important.
“I make sure my mindset is open and collaborative,” she says. “These projects place you among exceptionally talented professionals, and success relies on your ability to exchange ideas, take direction gracefully, and adapt to evolving creative demands.”
It’s a reminder that professionalism is as much about attitude as ability.
Growth, Curiosity & New Creative Chapters 
Despite everything she’s already achieved, Talia approaches her career with humility and gratitude.
“I’m genuinely grateful for every opportunity that comes my way,” she says.
Looking ahead, it’s not titles or prestige that excite her most — it’s growth.
“Anything that pushes me to grow,” she shares. “Working with new creatives, exploring different mediums, and stepping into more leadership and choreographic roles.”
“I love learning,” she adds. “And I’m excited for anything that challenges me to level up in ways I never imagined.”
Advice for others Dreaming Big
When asked what advice she’d give to emerging dancers hoping to build a sustainable, international career, Talia doesn’t hesitate.
“Never give up on your dreams,” she says. “Stay inspired, stay hungry, and surround yourself with people who genuinely uplift and challenge you.”
She emphasises the importance of inner grounding — values, self-belief, and openness.
“Hold onto your values, stay open-minded, and approach every experience as an opportunity for growth.”
And perhaps most importantly:
“Step into rooms that scare you a little. That’s where the magic happens.”
***
Talia Elfes is proof that longevity in the dance industry isn’t built on talent alone.
It’s built on work ethic, empathy, adaptability, leadership, and a genuine love for growth.
And if this is only the beginning — the future looks very bright indeed.
