About Miss Grace

Training and Career.

1. **Early Training (1991-2001):**

- Embarked on her ballet journey at the enchanting Ballet For Babes in Lismore in 1991.(Shout out to Nana Jones for sneaking me to ballet!)

- Under the tutelage of acclaimed Cecchetti teacher Monique Feain, she honed her classical ballet skills. Additionally, she explored ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles at Northern Rivers Dance Studio under the guidance of Dianne Parker.

- Immersed herself in both the graceful Cecchetti (Italian) and the elegant Royal Academy of Dance (English) styles of ballet.

- Recognised for her talent, she was scouted by Master Teacher and Examiner Prudence Bowen at the young age of 11 for private tuition.

2. **Professional Development (2001-2007):**

- At 12, she joined the prestigious Queensland Youth Ballet, allowing her to tour and perform across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

- Determined to pursue her passion, she made the bold decision to leave school at 14 to pursue full-time ballet training on the Gold Coast at Danielle's Studio of Dance.

- Despite a setback from an injury just before her scheduled trip to London for the Cecchetti Big Brother scholarship at 16, she remained undeterred.

3. **Certificate IV in Performing Arts (2007):**

- In 2007, she seized the opportunity to further her performing arts education at Brent Street Studio, where she completed the Certificate IV in Performing Arts, adding another layer to her artistic repertoire.

-Travelled to NY, London, Basel, Cophenhagen and Paris on the Cecchetti Big Brother scholarship training at major schools and watching performances. (Pineapple Studios, Martha Graham NY, Basel Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet. Paris Opera Ballet.)

4. **Professional Performance (2008-2011):**

- In 2008, she showcased her talent as a Dancer/Swing at Barcelo Karmina Palace in Mexico for 9 months, performing 6 shows per week and learning various Latin dances and traditional Mexican dancing.

- Transitioning to commercial dancing, she worked as a commercial dancer between 2009 and 2011, bringing her expertise to the commercial dance scene.

5. **Teaching Career (2011-2019):**

- In 2011, she embarked on her teaching career at Total Image Dance Studios, where she shared her passion for Ballet with students.

- Taking a brief hiatus from dancing, she explored a different facet of performance as a professional DJ in Sydney at 22, gracing the stages of renowned festivals like Falls, Your Paradise and Splendour In The Grass.

- Rekindling her love for dance, she resumed her studies with the Royal Academy of Dance, completing her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies in 2015.

- Furthering her expertise, she undertook the Level 1 Dance Teacher & Practitioner Program with world-renowned dance physiotherapist Lisa Howell in 2016.

6. **Current Ventures (2019-Present):**

- Seeking a return to her roots, she relocated to Byron Bay in 2019 to teach RAD Ballet at Kira Cullen Dance Company and Dance Force.

- Inspired by the challenges of the lockdown in 2020, she founded Grace Dance Academy Byron Bay, offering both virtual and in-person classes to meet the evolving needs of her students.

-In 2023 Grace was a part of “Stars” Northern Rivers - a fundraiser for The Cancer Council during which she trained a novice dancer (Chef Jordan Staniford) in Broadway jazz over 3 months and then performed in competition with other local teachers and novice dancers at Byron Theatre.

- In 2024 Miss Grace is balancing her teaching commitments at Kira Cullen Dance Company, CAPE Performing Arts, and Grace Dance Academy. She continues to maintain Registered Teacher Status with the RAD and is excited about her further professional development with Lisa Howell (Ballet Physiotherapist.)

Grace's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for dance, and she continues to inspire others through her teaching and performance.