Initially, rugby and dancing seem an incongruous partnership.
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But delve deeper and you'll soon see how and why local talent Jack Clements has combined the two in a symbiotic relationship that's catching attention in the nation's capital.
The 16-year-old is one of the main performers in Canberra Youth Dance Ensemble Quantum Leap's latest production, Reckless Valour.
Reckless Valour was created in collaboration with The Australian War Memorial, and is a moving tribute to young Australians in war.
Ten years on from its initial performance on stage, Quantum Leap has completely redeveloped and extended Reckless Valour and Cowra boy Jack is right in the midst of it, including a duo with a rugby rival.
Hold on...rugby?
"Yes, it's based off rugby," Jack confirmed, talking about the piece.
"The choreographer said she loved it because it had that aggression and presence of rugby in it and we were able to represent that through the dance.
"I play rugby and so does he [duo partner] and we're at rival schools. We're great mates as well and every time we talk about the duo we think of good footy! There's a part where we roll around in a circle with each other, it's a scrum more or less."
Jack started tap dance classes in year 5 with a local dance school.
He describes himself as "that uncoordinated bloke that used to be up the back", but no longer.
He's spent six months rehearsing, and during the intensive lead-up period, that's been every day.
"I feel good about it, I do a lot more in this performance than in previous years and I'm a lot stronger, so a I can do a lot more," Jack said.
"My first story in the piece, The Pool of Reflection, is about someone who has come back from war as a soldier, and am reflecting on what I have done...I'm trying to stop the reflections but they keep coming back like PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]."
Other performance pieces represent the symbolism of the War Memorial's architecture itself, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Hall of Memory, or tackle subjects such as the Faces of the Enemy and refugees.
This second performance of Reckless Valour comes as Australia focuses on 100 years since the landing of its troops on the shores of Gallipoli.
The significance of the anniversary is not lost on Jack.
"It's certainly quite moving for everybody that sees Reckless Valour as there are a lot of questions and themes involved....it's pretty much just asking questions about why do we have war and just who is enemy?
"It made me question why do we have these things, and really see how pointless it can be at times..."
Even if you are not a dancer, or a history buff, Reckless Valour has messages for all.
"It might not even be dance that you are interested in, or it might make you think about the meaning behind war.
"Or it could help inspire you go to the next level whatever it may be, football, karate, surfing, whatever you are interested in."
Reckless Valour opens tonight at and runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at the Canberra Theatre. Saturday also has a 2pm matinee performance. Tickets are available here.
