The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 28.
We are chatting with Rikki Bremner, from WA who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
My name is Rikki Leigh Bremner, and I am an independent contemporary dance artist based in Perth. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the acclaimed Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and graduated in 2014. I’m a big lover of food, animals and the environment and feel it is important to use my art platform as a voice for my opinions on important subjects relevant to today’s society.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali …. How was the experience?
The trip was more than I expected! We were incredibly fortunate to stay at three Alila resorts starting in Ubud then to Seminyak and finishing in Uluwatu. Each resort had it’s own atmosphere and quirks that made it individual but as a beach lover myself I’d have to say my favourite was Alila Seminyak. It was also the first time meeting all of the National finalists from around Australia, which was definitely a little daunting to think about but as soon as I met the other girls we all really bonded and came together as a group. We ventured out every night to somewhere new which gave us the opportunity to connect with each other and have new experiences of Bali every night from fine dining five-course dinners at Blanco to dancing at Omnia looking out at the ocean off a cliff top.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
The schedule was filled to the brim with activities for our stay in Bali, and I truly enjoyed so many of the experiences for different reasons. I found it incredibly rewarding to spend the morning in Ubud with the Sari Hati children and to share some time with them by participating in their everyday activities and seeing how amazing they are at soccer. Another moment in particular that I thoroughly enjoyed and had to stop and pinch myself to check I was actually there was when we were celebrating the first year anniversary of Seasalt at Alila Seminyak. I was surrounded by all the beautiful finalist who are now my friends having a dance while listening to the live band on the beach as the sun was setting. It was a moment of pure happiness to be sharing such an experience and realising we are all here together to support each other and absorb and grow as much as possible from the trip.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
It’s definitely a little bit of a shock to come back home to Perth after such a whirlwind of activities and experiences. I’m nervous to think that the final is so close and that I will be competing against some truly strong and beautiful women. I love to make lists and set goals for myself, and so I am hoping to achieve as many of these as possible before Nationals. Some of these include attending fitness classes, walking my dog, watching what I eat and not treating myself every night as I am hoping to be the best version of myself. Aside from the physical preparations, I will also be preparing mentally by researching inspirational talks on podcasts or ted talks and reviewing the past contestant’s videos and stories.
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
I believe my performance background will help me to remain calm and confident when on stage in front of the judges and audience members. I’m hoping I will be able to bring out my bubbly personality in both my walk and introduction, as well as the final questions if I am fortunate enough to make it through.
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
I am extremely passionate about the world in which we live in, more specifically with animals and the environment. I am driven to use my contemporary dance platform as a way to start conversations on the issues we are facing today. I recently choreographed a 13minute solo at The Blue Room Theatre for the Fringe World Festival 2018 where I was making a statement on the plastic in our oceans. I want to help people become more aware that their everyday actions have an impact on the planet and hope they will become more conscious of the choices they are making daily. I hope to give issues a platform to be spoken about where they are not seen as something to hide away from including mental health, the refugee situation in Australia and our environmental impact through agriculture.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
I’m not sure if it’s the most interesting facts but two things about myself are: 1) I love my dog, Archie, who is a big, fat, cuddly labrador. 2) I can eat an entire pizza or a family size box of Maltesers in one sitting.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
My favourite place to be is on the beach watching the sunset. As I am fortunate enough to live in Perth the sun sets over the ocean every night and it is honestly so beautiful and different every time. When I have travelled, it is the one thing I miss most from Australia. The soft sound of the waves and wind, the beautiful colours, the warmth of the sun, it all creates the most amazing atmosphere where I feel my most comfortable to relax, allow my thoughts to take over or to quieten down and be myself.
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
My experience in The Miss Universe program has been an incredibly supportive one where all the girls help to lift each other higher. It is empowering to meet so many women who are driven to help the world in their own way and see the confidence that radiates from them. I believe the experience has also enhanced my own confidence in standing and talking in front of a crowd as well as networking with new people. It is a place where you can safely put yourself out of your comfort zone and indeed develop and grow as an individual. The program has provided both physical and mental development from boxing classes to the powerful impressions workshop, and I feel they can all be applied, not only the competition but your everyday life as well.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I also work in hospitality as a waitress and one day was about to bring out a cake for someone’s birthday and had gone over to the main lady who had organised the lunch to check who’s birthday it was. She then said it was her husbands and I pointed to the man I thought she was implying and then she said ‘that’s my dad’… I was mortified, but we both brushed it off well, and I then brought out the cake to the right person. It was a good laugh afterwards.
Name five things you can’t live without?
These are in no particular order, but I couldn’t live without 1) My dog, Archie 2) Chocolate 3) The Beach 4) Dancing 5) Quality time with friends, family and my boyfriend.
How would your closest friend describe you?
“Well….where do I begin? Rikki is one of the most down to earth people I know. Beautiful on the inside and out (I’d know because we are basically twins!), Rikki is vivacious, brave and thoughtful. She stands up for what she believes in and is extremely passionate about whatever she is doing at the time, whether that be dancing up a storm or caring for her dog Archie. She always makes sure her friends and family are looked after and never leaves the house without a smile. She lights up the room like no one else I know, and I couldn’t ask for a better best friend. ” – Quoted from my best friend, Scott Elstermann.
Why did you decide to compete in Miss Universe Australia?
In the beginning, I believe I applied to put myself out of my comfort zone as I had become complacent with my day to day routine. It was a chance to meet new people in welcoming situations and also gain new skills in networking and talking in front of a crowd. I also applied because I thought it would help provide me with a larger platform to express important issues and promote contemporary dance in Perth. It has definitely done all these things and more, which I am incredibly grateful for.
Rikki is also helping raise money for Toybox International as part of her Miss Universe Journey, Please consider donating by clicking here
The Above Tittle Image is Provided by Perrywinkle Photography
