Couple moving the world

Working together can be a make-or-break decision for many couples, and few workplaces come with as many stresses as the environment married same-sex couple Jane Miskovic and Anna Wheatley have created for themselves with their company Moves en Masse.

The pair devise and coordinate large-scale events choreography, teaching movement routines to thousands of people at a time with the results often shown to worldwide audiences.

“It can be quite overwhelming when you’re told to put together a 10-minute dance routine for 5000 people. But when you don’t have a nervous breakdown after the first one, often you get called to come back!” Miskovic told the Star Observer.

Her big break came when she volunteered as an assistant choreographer for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Since then, she and Wheatley have moved more than 80,000 people in creative, theatrical and parade settings in over 15 different countries worldwide.

“From getting to know people and production companies at the Olympics, each new job has led to another one,” she said.

“I’m actually a maths major with a dance background, and a lot of mass choreography is maths-based — it’s all scale and geometry.”

The couple, who met at university and soon became partners, formed Moves en Masse when it became clear that Miskovic’s choreography work would take her out of Australia for long periods of time.

She said Wheatley proved to be an ideal work partner.

“Often we’re dealing with large groups of volunteers, and she’s so good at training them and preparing them for the show. Anna’s great at getting the average person who’s volunteered for one of these shows prepared for every outcome and possibility.”

Having married in Canada last year while working on the Vancouver Winter Olympics, the couple returned home and decided to focus on Australian projects. Former colleague Ignatius Jones soon called and asked them to help coordinate a Taylor Square stop for the Australian Marriage Equality float in this year’s Mardi Gras Parade.

Miskovic said working with Mardi Gras had been one of her career highlights.

“It’s much more ‘anything goes’. We went to an after-work AME rehearsal one day, and everyone was in their work attire but with bridal veils on too, and having a few drinks while they rehearsed,” she laughed.

“It’s a different spirit. We focus so much on being disciplined with other groups, but that doesn’t really apply for Mardi Gras. You know it’ll get there in the end, and it’s more about enjoying the fun and spirit of the parade.”

info: www.movesenmasse.com