The Making of a Dance Icon: Tara Morice's Journey to Fran in Strictly Ballroom
Tara Morice, the actress who played Fran in the iconic film Strictly Ballroom, reflects on her journey to landing the role and the impact the film had on her career and the Australian film industry.
Morice's path to Fran began with a chance encounter with Baz Luhrmann, her former classmate at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. Luhrmann, already a rising star, invited Morice to join his theatre company, Six Years Old, where she worked on the play Strictly Ballroom. The play was inspired by Keith Bain, a ballroom dancer who brought back new steps from South America in the 1950s. Morice's character, Fran, was shaped by this inspiration, with her Spanish immigrant background and the name Frangipani, derived from the frangipani trees of Sydney.
The process of landing the role of Fran was a challenging one. Morice had to go through seven screen tests over a year, and even after being cast, she struggled with self-doubt. She felt the pressure of living up to the character she had helped create, and the fear of not being pretty or dance-worthy enough.
Luhrmann's unique style, as Morice describes, is characterized by a blend of naturalism and larger-than-life characters. This was evident in the film's pre-production work with Paul Mercurio, who played Scott. Mercurio, an extraordinary dancer, had no acting experience, while Morice, despite her experience in the play, had less dance training. Luhrmann's approach to casting and choreography was a delicate balance, and it paid off.
The film's production faced numerous challenges, including securing funding and dealing with logistical hurdles. However, the final product was a breakthrough for Australian cinema. Morice's portrayal of Fran, with her Spanish immigrant background and unique dance style, became an iconic representation of Australian culture. The film's success paved the way for other Australian filmmakers to take bolder choices and create a different image of the country.
Strictly Ballroom's impact on Morice's career was profound. It challenged societal norms and proved that men dancing could be acceptable and even desirable. The film's premiere at Cannes was a testament to its global appeal, and Morice's personal experiences, like being chased by screaming schoolgirls, only added to its cultural significance.
In conclusion, Tara Morice's journey to Fran in Strictly Ballroom is a fascinating tale of creativity, self-doubt, and the power of art to challenge and inspire. Her story highlights the transformative nature of the film industry and the enduring impact of a single character on a global audience.
