-By Kim Parnell-
Ballroom dance enthusiasts, whether on the dance floor or watching Dancing with the Stars, will instantly recognise dancer Jessica Raffa. A standout in the long-running series, she claimed victory in Season 13 alongside illusionist Cosentino, securing the coveted mirror ball trophy in a career-defining moment. She also spent eight years touring with Burn the Floor, solidifying her reputation as a world-class performer. Now 40, Jessica first joined Dancing with the Stars at just 25 and, at the time of writing, is filming her ninth season.
Fans will be thrilled to know that once filming wraps, Jessica is heading to Hervey Bay in March to work on an exciting new project, Queenie the Musical. She will be here to run intensive dance workshops with the cast of Queenie and conduct a Masterclass with a local dance school.
The musical is brought to life by writer, comedian, and actress Tracy Harvey alongside her husband, director Greg Dee. Local actor Shane ‘Scooter’ King, well-known for his performances at Z-Pac Theatre, serves as producer and will also take the stage alongside Tracy in a show that will be spectacular.
As a longtime Dancing with the Stars fan, I was thrilled to chat with Jessica about her life, love of dance, family, and her latest project, Queenie the Musical.
Let’s start at the beginning…
Jessica Raffa started ballet at three and excelled, even joining the Junior Australian Ballet. But at six, a nearby ballroom studio changed everything. She’d arrive with her ballet shoes, yet ballroom’s freedom and expression captivated her. Unlike ballet’s strict form, ballroom let her smile, move, and feel, and she knew this was where she truly belonged.
She began competing and touring young and was just 17 when Burn the Floor discovered her after watching her performance at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Summer Olympics, Jessica would fly up to Sydney every weekend for rehearsals and fly back to go to school for the week.
She credits the show, and producer Harley Medcalf, chorographer Jason Gilkison, and Peta Roby for shaping her career. Touring for eight or nine years, they became like family, but eventually, she chose to settle in Australia.
While performing a blindfolded routine in Burn the Floor, Jessica Raffa learned to dance without sight, an experience that inspired her to teach blind people at Vision Australia. Seeing how few opportunities they had, she was determined to change perceptions. Unbeknownst to her, Dancing with the Stars took notice and invited her to partner with blind Paralympian Gerrard Gosens in 2009, her debut season on the show.
Jessica and Gerrard Gosens made television history, reaching the Dancing with the Stars semi-finals, an incredible feat for someone who had never seen dance. Proud of these moments, Jessica’s passion lies in sharing the joy of dance and helping others discover their hidden talent. She thrives on the challenge, which is why she still loves being part of the show.
During it all, Jessica, mother to Zoe and Oscar, and wife to Anthony, says she’s grateful for every day. “We almost lost Anthony two years ago, to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, it was a terrible time.”
Jessica and Anthony, her first love, recently celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary, she is relieved that he’s now healthy and in remission. “We live on eggshells, but we live life to the fullest, traveling and enjoying every moment. If I can give anyone hope, it’s to dance, sing, and enjoy life as it can all change in an instant.”
During the COVID lockdown, Jessica was going stir crazy and returned to her passion by creating Dance Fit by Jessica Raffa, a program blending Latin dance, weights, abs, and Pilates. Designed to keep both body and mind strong, it’s her way of staying fit, and even comedian Tracy Harvey is a fan!
Jessica’s advice to aspiring dancers: “Dance with heart and soul, find your own style, and own it.” She emphasises hard work, as dance is demanding both physically and mentally.
The dancer says, “I never went to parties, I worked hard. It’s the extra things that you do to get your career going.
“When I was starting out, we worked until 2am if that’s what it took to get it right, no questions asked.
Jessica continues, “Today’s dancers have it different, but I think that’s what made my generation tough. If you want to make it, you learn how to dance through injuries. I remember dancing with broken ribs and dislocated shoulders. You work hard even when it hurts.
“I am blessed to still be dancing at forty, I think all the hard work has paid off. It was all worth it in the end.”
In 2013, Jessica joined forces with Tracy Harvey as the choreographer for PR!CK The Musical, while also taking to the stage as a performer. The talented cast featured Jemma Rix, co-lead of Wicked, and the iconic John Wood from Blue Heelers. Reflecting on the experience, Jessica shares, “It was an incredible production brought to life by the visionary Tracy Harvey and Greg Dee. We had so much fun!”
Now it’s time to do it again, but with Queenie the Musical.
Tracy has been training in Jessica’s studio for the past year, working on putting the show together one number at a time. Jessica’s excited to work with the cast of dancers and loves working with Tracy who’s serious yet naturally hilarious approach adds fun to the process.
There will be plenty of dancing, from Latin to ballroom, hip hop, and contemporary. Once the cast is set, the real work begins. Jessica’s thrilled with how the production of Queenie is shaping up and says, “The show is a unique mix of underworld comedy, singing, and dancing that highlight both the devastation and the motivations behind the characters at play. With numerous storylines, the show is a dance and music extravaganza and will be a real showstopper.
For Jessica, dancing is like medicine. It brings joy, and she’s seen how it lifts people, even those who come in feeling down. “When they leave, they’re elated, it’s incredible.” That’s why she’s infused so much dance into the show, particularly Latin and ballroom, which are rare in productions these days.
Tracy Harvey and Greg Dee are delighted to be collaborating with Z-Pac for the premiere of Queenie the Musical.
Show synopsis:
County Court magistrate, Queenie, is about to hang up her wig and go shopping. Burnt out after years of presiding over the worst criminal cases and busting through the toughest perspex ceilings. But when Queenie is promoted to Supreme Court Judge, she jumps at the chance to pay off the credit cards and snag that house in Watego Bay. Not realising she is about to do battle with drug lord, Terry Biggs and a wave of underworld killings that shatter the lives of ordinary folk and Queenie herself.
Queenie is the fifth musical written and produced by Tracy Harvey & Greg Dee.
Queenie the Musical
Performances over three weekends: June 20 – July 6
Z-Pac Theatre, Scarness
For all enquiries call the show’s Director Greg Dee on 0408 398 000.
To find out more about the show or to book your tickets head to www.zpactheatre.com.au.
