The 21-year-old from Ocean Shores, on the North Coast, was born with just 20 per cent hearing in one ear before going completely deaf.

But, that has not hindered her love of music and dance in the least, considering her hearing impairment more as a gift.

Cochlear implants nine years ago opened up an entirely new world to the budding performer.

"I did have hearing aids before my implants, so I did 'hear' some music but I wasn't as interested back then because I couldn't hear or understand it very well."

A regular free-dancer at the monthly Pacific Palms Markets (when she visits her grandparents David and Meredith Symonds) Tallula 'discovered' the benefits and delights of music as a child, attending dad and musician Daniel's rehearsals with his band Ginger and the Ghost.

Instrument vibrations enabled Tallula to tap in and feel the music.

Tallula said she can't recall exactly when she discovered her love for music and dance, but described it as a gradual evolution.

"I only started really getting into music about a year after I received my cochlear implants in 2012," she said.

Taylor Swift and Lorde's music are what she describes as her absolute favourite musicians.

"I love listening to and dancing to all their songs as well as learning the lyrics.

"Their songwriting skills and lyrics are amazing.

" I also love them because they were among the first artists I ever heard after getting my cochlear implants. I do listen to other music as well, but I definitely enjoy Taylor Swift and Lorde's music the most"

With a musician dad and aunt, there is a natural connection with music and entertainment.

"I believe it is in my blood; my aunt was also a dancer at my age so I've definitely inherited the love of music and dance."

Tallula is a member of the Sprung Integrated Dance & Theatre Co, a group based in the Northern Rivers, as a solo artist/performer.

"My dancing brings me absolute joy and pride in what I do; it always makes me happy.

"Music has helped improve some of my hearing abilities and my dancing."

And, early last year she began teaching - as choirmaster - Auslan (Australian sign language) choir classes via the Sprung online platform and expanding her Auslan skills learning sign-sing song lyrics (with English grammar),

"I love to sign sing in Auslan-with-English-grammar, so that's why I took on the role during lockdown last year, and we're continuing the online choir classes this year."

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"Just taking one step at a time, taking things one day, week, month or year at a time.

"But I do hope to someday travel/tour the world as part of a group like Sprung Integrated Dance & Theatre Co or as a solo artist

"Maybe even get to perform onstage as a dancer or an independent performer with a person like Taylor Swift one day... a girl can dream.

"However, I know that I almost-certainly have a future somewhere in the creative arts sector."

The Auslan choir is open to people of all ages and abilities, and no prior experience is necessary.

Term one, which runs for seven weeks, begins this coming Wednesday, February via Zoom from 6.30pm.

The choir will learn Let it Go from Frozen the movie.

"We're using this song to let go of 2020.

"We have previously learnt songs such as What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Team by Lorde.

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