MaggZ has a way of speaking about movement that feels real and unfiltered. Starting in ballet, and later discovering w_acking in 2014, this style offered a different kind of expression and immediacy. That shift wasn’t calculated; it was simply the next right step in moving through the world, both physically and creatively.

The practice is also shaped by experiences navigating identity, migration, and cultural connection. Reconnecting with heritage after years of distance has become an important part of the work, informing both intention and the story behind how MaggZ shows up in creative spaces.

Today in Naarm, the focus extends beyond personal practice. (nexus), founded in 2024, has steadily evolved into a space where exploration comes before expectation, and community forms naturally through shared curiosity and openness.

Do you remember the first time you felt truly connected to movement, not just as a technique, but as a way of expressing something internal? 

Yes - the beginning of 2014 when I first stood outside of a dance studio and watched someone practicing w_acking: the freedom and liberation was something unparalleled and I was drawn to it immediately, and that has never changed since then.

You started in ballet, a world of precision, uniformity, and discipline, before moving into w_acking, which is expressive and freeing. How did that transition unfold for you personally and creatively?

I was trained in ballet as a child for 7 years, took a one-year break in between and I started going to street dance studios back home and started doing more choreography classes until w_acking captured my attention. I have been training in w_acking since the beginning of 2014, and became a full time artist after I graduated from my Education Masters in 2021. I would say the transition took place really smoothly, as I wasn't really thinking about what's going to happen next with my dance and creative practice, I just followed my heart and enjoyed feeling alive through dance. 

As an artist of Chinese-minority descent, how has your heritage shaped the way you embody space and presence in your practice?

I suppose as diasporas, everyone has a unique and sophisticated relationship with their heritage, myself included. I rejected my heritage for a long time since I was a teenager after moving to Australia alone, trying to fit in, assimilate and survive amongst the white society. Re-embracing my heritage into my life has been slow, beautiful and sometimes really challenging, but I would say at this stage of my life, my practice and my heritage goes hand in hand. Everything you experience from my practice is uniquely me, and I would not be who I am today without my upbringing, my city, and most importantly all the incredible matriarch in my family. I always think about how I am continuing the familial matriarchal lineage, and my project SpringCity this year is a love letter dedicated to where I come from, and how that is crucial in reimagining the future.

In 2024 you founded (nexus), an experimental movement experience centred on innovation and discovery. What needs or possibilities within Naarm’s creative ecosystem inspired you to create (nexus)?

The inspiration of (nexus) was derived from wanting to create a motherboard for all movement practices to shine together. As (nexus) evolved over the past 18 months, we have grown into a creative movement community with the mission of experiment and to befriend our bodies. (nexus) embodies the changes we wish to see in Naarm and beyond - openness, curiosity, honesty and hope. 

At the most recent (nexus) last week, was there a moment that made you feel the platform is genuinely nurturing and inspiring the creative community in the way you envisioned?

The real joy from everyone without ego.

And finally, what are you currently building, planning, or dreaming into reality for 2026 and beyond?

I've just wrapped up one of the biggest months/weeks of my life, so I'm unsure if my answer now will do the justice of where I'm headed in 2026. There are a few major shifts coming in 2026, more music/sound projects on the way, more creative and movement direction in the works, and of course continue to nurture (nexus), whilst working on my 5th international tour. I'm so extremely grateful and exhausted at this point that I don't want to look beyond what I am having for dinner tonight haha, but 2026 is going to be huge and I'm excited for it.