Good Humans | Alice Topp and Tim Rogers

We believe that style is about more than what we wear - it's how we move, create and connect. It's the choices we make, the energy we bring and the stories we tell. Good Humans is a journal series exploring just that: the intersection of self-expression, purpose and the quiet power of living with intention.

In this edition, we share a conversation between dancer and choreographer Alice Topp and musician Tim Rogers - two artist who move through the world with curiosity, compassion and creativity.

Together, they reflect on the evolution of personal style, the importance of connection in a fast-paced world and how art can speak to the things words often can't.

What does it mean to you to truly "be yourself"?

Alice: To me, it means to be comfortable and at peace with myself as a whole - with all my imperfections, struggles and challenges. I like to think I embrace all my quirks, foibles and idiosyncrasies but it is a work-in progress.

Tim: To not crave validation from others. To be at peace with decisions made, but being prepared to be told I'm wrong. 

How has your personal style evolved as you've grown into who you are?

Alice: My wardrobe has always been coloured with an eclectic mix of styles and I'ves always been a big mood dresser - changing the colour of my hair or dress sense based on my emotions at the time!

Vintage played a big part in my twenties but now in my forties my personal style is all about comfort, effortlessness and what sparks joy for me. I used to spend my days on stage as a ballet dancer, performing in tutus, tulle and tiaras but these days, I travel loads and spend a lot of time in the studio rehearsing. 

There's a strong focus now on savvy travel - packing items that can carry me from the day into the evening. I like to be able to swan about in the studio in clothing that is comfortable, breathable and oversized - and because I need to hit the theatre in the evening for Opening Nights, I'm attracted to items that are timeless. 

Tim: I guess it vacillates between function and form?....I've accepted that comfort is not a betrayal of style but that one can be comfortable stylishly. Onstage or going out the edict has remained: keep yourself amused.

What's one thing you've learned about yourself that has changed how you see the world?

Alice: Often experiencing great self-doubt, insecurity and anxiety, I've learned everybody wrestles with their own demons - even if our demons don't look the same. Tim often says that we don't know what other people are going through. Sometimes we can feel isolated in our experiences but everyone is working through something. 

This has led me to practice compassion, kindness and empathy for everyone, even those I meet who are rude and angry - because I can only imagine what they must have experienced to demonstrate such hatred.

Tim: Despite all appearances, I think I've always been humble, accepting that I am not the most important person in any space, but am eager to make any sort of contribution to a situation. My failings, addictions and anxieties over time have hardwired this pursuit. 

Connection:

How do you create meaningful connections with others in a fast-paced world?

Alice: I try to practice presence as much as I can. I aim to catch up with loved ones in person and leave my phone at home. Tim and I have a rule of 'no phones' when we are out at dinner. It's so important to spend time with family and friends without having one eye or ear on the phone, ipad or headphones. The pace of life means we're always multitasking and juggling but making time for in-person contact is critical.

Tim: Listen. Take time.

In what ways do you express love and gratitude to those closest to you?

Alice: The best way I like to express my love and gratitude to those closest to me is with time together, however with the amount of travel I do, it's not always possible to present in person. They say the greatest gift you can give someone is your time and I really wrestle with that when I'm away on tour. So when I'm home, I spend as much time as possible with those I love - leaving them notes, surprising them, showering them with love. When I'm away, it's about communicating in all the ways - calls, FaceTime, texts and my favourite, sending letters or postcards!

Tim: In a perhaps cowardly move, I write songs about them.

Values and Purpose:

What legacy do you want to leave behind as a "good human"?

Alice: I would like to hope that the way I live my life will be an example of living and leading with kindness. That to make things happen, to seek change, to ask questions, to fight for the things important to you can all be done with kindness and love. I hope my body of work can echo that and tell a story of my pursuit to make art of substance, meaning and of emotional depth in the hope of connecting with people and open minds and hearts. 

Tim: To live with humility and ask for forgiveness when I haven't. I'm also good for a shout and to help with the heavy lifting. 

What does living with purpose mean to you?

Alice: For me, it's about making every second count. It's about investing in something greater than yourself and contributing to a cause, community or purpose that contributes to making the world a better place. 

Tim: Being prepared. To do good work or a smile with a stranger.

Creativity and Expression:

As a choreographer, what have you discovered about how movement connects to emotion?

Alice: I'm so admiring of Tim and the wonders he creates with words and music but I've never been able to articulate my feelings very well except through movement. For me, body language has been my primary form of expression and I feel it's a visual, visceral, readily accessible way of storytelling. 

As a choreographer, I feel I just expand on that dialogue. The body is exposing - it shows pain, joy, grief, ecstasy in the ways we hold our body and in the places these emotions land. 

How does the way you present yourself reflect the world you want to live in?

Alice: Most of my choreographic work is inspired by the human condition, driven by a desire to connect, provoke thought and explore new ways of seeing and questioning the world. 

Making art that doesn't exist before we create it is a vulnerable process but a great privilege. I like to think that being open-hearted and vulnerable invites others to be open and vulnerable too and in doing so, we can learn to practise greater compassion, kindness and empathy for others and be there to support them. 

Tim: Humor, curiosity and candor. 

Travel and the World:

How has travelling - or even dreaming of new places - shaped your perspective on life?

Tim: Listening, watching and walking. I am immensely grateful to be able to do all three freely and together - the only way to travel.

Alice wears the Ella Dress in both Black and Nude, and the Meg Jean in Black

Tim wears the Mads Blazer and Marlowe Pant in Black

Photography by Ivana Martyn-Zyznikow