Grace’s grand jete into the world of ballet
May 22, 2025
From the moment she could walk, Grace Andersen was dancing. At just two years old, she took her first ballet class, not quite knowing that her tiny feet were stepping onto the path of a lifelong passion. ‘I didn’t always love it,’ she admits, ‘but I did it anyway.’ It wasn’t until a change of schools in Year 1, moving to JE Dance , that Grace fell in love with dance in a whole new way.
She thought ballet was the only style out there, until she discovered contemporary, jazz, and more. But ballet always held her heart. ‘There’s just something about it,’ Grace says. ‘I like the structure. With ballet, you need the right technique, it’s disciplined. That’s what I love.’
Now, ballet is more than a hobby; it’s a central part of Grace’s daily life. She trains nearly every day. Monday through Friday at JE, and on Thursdays she leaves school early to travel to Brisbane for coaching with Classical Coaching Australia. ‘It started this year,’ she says, ‘and I’ve already learned so much.’
This dedication recently led Grace to one of the most exciting moments of her young career - being cast in Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia during its regional performance in Toowoomba.
‘At first, Mum and I thought it would be like any other show,’ Grace recalls. ‘But then we had to fill out forms with bank account details, that’s when we realised it was something more.’
And it was. Grace was cast in not one, but two roles: the opening dancer as Little Coppélia, and a Smith sister in the village scene. ‘It was such a big surprise. When the curtain went up, I was the first dancer on stage. It was amazing.’
Performing with Queensland Ballet offered Grace more than just a moment in the spotlight, it gave her a glimpse into the world she dreams of joining. ‘Just seeing everyone there… it showed me what it would be like to be a professional dancer, which is what I’ve wanted since I was really little.’
Her ultimate dream? To dance with the Paris Opera Ballet, and one day become a ballet mistress, coaching and mentoring future dancers in a top company.
‘But first, I want to get into a good ballet school or academy,’ she says. ‘It takes a lot of practice. On weekends, I bring my ballet ball out to the living room and stretch or do rises while watching TV.’
Grace doesn’t just talk about hard work, she lives it. Her weeks are full, her schedule demanding, but her love for ballet never wavers. ‘You definitely have to be strong and fit and flexible, but most of all, you have to love it.’
While she doesn’t have a famous ballerina idol, she finds inspiration closer to home. ‘My mum was a dancer. She went on pointe and everything. She didn’t perform in shows like I do, but she helps me, and I really look up to her.’
Up next, Grace is preparing for her role in The Fairy Queen with Brisbane City Youth Ballet this winter. It’s her third time with the company, and she’s already setting her sights on what comes next. Because for Grace, ballet isn’t just a series of steps, it’s the rhythm of her future.
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One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
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Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
