Natalie Imbruglia has revealed she learnt Highland dancing when she was just three years old, recalling her Scottish roots as she prepares to perform to Scottish fans. The Australian singer, best known for her 1997 hit Torn, said her family can be traced back to the Anderson name on her mother's side.
Early memories of the sword dance
The 51-year-old remembers wearing her little dancing shoes and taking part in the sword dance as a three-year-old. Speaking to STV, she said: "I have really early memories of going and having these cute little shoes on and putting my arms (up) and dancing around swords."
Natalie has also said she has always noticed similarities between Scottish people and Australians, despite the huge distance between the two countries.
Scottish collaborations and new album
Her links to Scotland go beyond family. The singer has worked with Scottish musician David Sneddon, who she has described as her "good luck charm". The pair recently collaborated on her latest album Algorithm, with Sneddon also introducing her to some of the writers and producers she worked with on the record.
Natalie is currently promoting the album, which takes inspiration from late-night doom scrolling social media. Some of the most personal experiences behind the record include being diagnosed with ADHD and going through perimenopause, while the album also explores her habit of doomscrolling late at night on her phone.
The singer said she wanted to "open the conversation" about whether people are victims of their phone's algorithm or can take steps to influence what they see.
Torn anniversary approaching
However, it is Torn that remains her biggest hit, with the song set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. The track became a global success after its release in 1997, and Natalie has previously admitted she initially found its huge popularity daunting.
She has since learned to embrace it, saying she now thinks about the opportunities the song gave her and her family when she performs it. As she continues to perform for audiences around the world, the singer still has a strong fondness for Scotland, due to her family connection and childhood memories.
