Three minutes with...Krystle Raw

Krystal Raw

ONE minute Krystle Raw was helping to persecute some of Queensland’s most notorious criminals and had the goal of becoming a crown prosecutor.

The next she was leaving that world behind and starting up her own dance studio in Browns Plains called Raw Talent.

The Reporter decided to put this 26-year-old dance lover in the witness box for questioning.

Q: Why did you open your own dance studio?

A: I’ve been dancing since I was six and it’s always been a bit of a dream of mine to start teaching. I love seeing kids’ faces when they’re performing on stage. I worked for seven years in law and did criminal law for most of those seven years. I saw my friends working weekends and late nights, and there was a lot of stress dealing with the police. I just asked myself, is this what I really want to do with my life? At the end of the day what I’m doing now might not be the best money, but I love it.

Q: Do you have any advice for people wanting to make such a dramatic career change to follow their dreams?

A: I think you need to have jobs like that (her law job) initially so you can plan financially. That way you can have a smooth transition. You need to do those kinds of jobs to ground yourself, but you’ve got to have a dream and never lose sight of it.

Q: Do you have any regrets about leaving law behind?

A: Not regrets. There are certain aspects I miss and the glamour of working on some cases.

Q: What was the biggest case you worked on?

A: A serial killer named Leonard Fraser who was accused of killing Natasha Ryan (but she was later found hiding in her boyfriend’s closet). It was a crazy trial. The stuff you learn is amazing, that’s why there is such a huge following of that kind of stuff on TV.

Q: Would anything get you back to law?

A: No, I love this too much. I got offered good jobs before I left but I’m too excited about where this could take me.

Q: What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had while dancing?

A: When I was 14 I was dancing on stage and had to dance on a table, but the one I was on wasn’t locked in properly by the prop guys. The teacher sent the video tape of us falling into Funniest Home Videos and they put the voices to it. I was ‘Bad Luck Betty’. I have also had my top fall off when I was singing on stage. I had a 30 second costume change and didn’t get it on properly. I had to hold it up while I was singing. I think everyone knew, but the show must go on.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who can’t dance or who thinks they can’t dance?

A: I believe everyone can dance. It’s not how the public perceives you, it’s how you feel. You should dance like no one is watching.

Q: What’s the best song to dance around your room with a hairbrush to?

A: River deep, Mountain High, it’s got a good soul feeling behind it. Or Aint no Mountain High Enough.

Q: If you could perform in any stage show, what would you choose?

A: I would want to do Moulin Rouge. I’ve always wanted to play Satine in Moulin Rouge. I think I can identify with her and I love Nicole Kidman. I also love burlesque.