Outstanding, focus and determined.
‘I placed in the top 5% of students within the School of Law.’
Gabrielle started dancing when she was 2 years old, training in many different styles of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, musical theatre and acrobatics. Completing RAD classical ballet, ISTD modern and tap and Tapatak Oz exams throughout her dance training and graduated from All Starz Performing Arts Studio at the age of 17.
Although she had already decided to attend university full time, she did not want to end her dance career there and subsequently chose to audition for the NBL Illawara Hawks dance team in 2017, managed by JLD Entertainment.
‘ This was an extremely daunting but exciting process, where I travelled to Wollongong for both the audition and the call-back. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the squad, and this kick-started my career in the entertainment industry. I went on to join the NRL St George Dragons dance team in 2018 and have been a part of the squad for the past 4 seasons.’
Since 2017 Gabrielle has also had the opportunity to be involved in various corporate and sporting events through JLD entertainment where she performed at the Golden Slipper Event at Rosehill Racecourse in 2018 and 2019. She had the honour of being part of the major race announcements thatch horse running and standing next to the relevant jockey. This was a televised event with 16 other models and had to ensure that they were on task and presentable at all times.
Dancing at the Women’s State of Origin, alongside Jacinta from the Voice 2018 was a performance that required numerous rehearsals in the studio and on the field to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Gab was also fortunate enough to be a part of the opening ceremony for the ANZAC Round (Roosters vs Dragons) in 2019 with a group that consisted of almost 100 performers who were in charge of displaying the Australian flag on the field. This task required ample respect and precision, due to the nature of the event and involved a lot of coordination due to the large number of performers and staff on the field.
‘I am very lucky to have been able to continue dancing and working in the entertainment industry, while studying full time at university’.
What are you studying and how long have you been studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Business at the University of Wollongong.
This is a five-year degree, and I am currently in my fourth year.
What are some of your achievements so far?
‘One achievement that I am very proud of is being named on the Dean’s Merit List for 2020 because I placed in the top 5% of students within the School of Law. This highly prestigious award was extremely important to me because it recognised all of the hard work that I had undertaken throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I was let go from my job as an office junior in a law firm, so with the extra time that I had on my hands, I decided to put all of my efforts into my studies.
I set up a schedule for myself, outlining how many hours of study to complete each day, when to fit in my gym routine, eating, and winding down time. Through utilising my organisation skills and passion for learning, I was able to obtain three high distinctions and one distinction that semester.’
Do you have some more goals for the next 12 months?
‘My primary goal right now is to obtain either a clerkship position or a paralegal role in a corporate law firm.
I have worked as an office junior in a law firm for the past two years and my role entails various administrative tasks, such as preparing briefs for Counsel, liaising with other administrative staff at various locations, including the Supreme Court, inspecting and photocopying documents at the Family Court of Australia, etc. I am eager to broaden my horizons and get involved in more hands on legal tasks.’
What are some of your home lockdown go to beauty essentials that you are loving at the moment?
‘I am obsessed with my skin care regime, I currently use Dr Spiller products and I could not recommend them enough.
I use the cleansing milk with cucumber extract, which is a gentle non-drying creamy cleanser that leaves the skin feeling extra soft and really comfortable.
After getting out of the shower, I use the cucumber toner, which restores the skins optimal pH and removes cleansing residue.
Finally, I apply a small amount of propolis day cream. This moisturiser is suitable for oily/ combination skin and helps prevent breakouts and acne.’
What is some advice for young adults wanting to head in a similar direction to you?
‘My main piece of advice would be to follow your passion, even if you have more than one.
My passion for the law and becoming a lawyer is equally as important to me as my passion for dance and fitness.
I am so thankful that I did not give up on one dream in order to pursue the other
Ultimately, if you want something bad enough, you will do everything to make it work and to succeed.
Although it has been a challenge juggling full time study, working in a law firm and dancing/cheerleading, I am so glad that I did not give up. My experiences have allowed me to better my organisation and time management skills, which will never go astray.’
Editor: Jacqueline Lee Elliott is the founder and creative director of JLD.Entertainment & Productions in Australia. About Jacqueline-Lee Elliott
@jacquelineleeelliott @jldenertainment