Abby Lennon

A Rising Star's Journey to RWS Studios

Published in Print September 2025 order now!
By Danielle Brown

Over the past nine months, Abby Lennon’s professional career has soared—she’s secured two prestigious contracts, a testament to her tireless effort, resilience, and unwavering dedication. At a pivotal crossroads, she had to choose between three incredible opportunities. Ultimately, she opted for her lifelong dream: a 13-month contract with RWS Studios—the entertainment arm of RWS Global, responsible for producing live shows and performances aboard MSC Cruise Lines and other ships. She will be rehearsing in New York and performing from ships docked in Miami and Texas—a dream come true for any dancer.

This opportunity came shortly after Abby participated in VDF’s Audition Day this year, where she impressed the panel and was offered two contracts. “I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to VDF and fly down to Melbourne to attend a festival full of auditions and masterclasses,” Abby recalls. “It was an incredible experience, and I was fortunate enough to be offered two contracts. For me, being myself and showing who I am as a dancer, rather than trying to be perfect, helped me secure these offers and allowed me to be my best in the audition room.”

When it came to choosing between her options, Abby found herself in an enviable position, with multiple offers on the table. “I recently closed the premier season of Cirque Alice, which was run at QPAC for two months,” she shares. “This experience was unforgettable and taught me a lot. I was honoured to be offered an international tour with them. It was a very difficult decision, but I felt so grateful to be in this position where I had multiple opportunities in front of me.”

Abby felt the full weight and exhilaration of her decision—knowing she could chart the next course of her career was empowering. In the end, the cruise-line opportunity resonated most powerfully. “Dancing on a cruise line has always been a massive goal of mine,” she admits. “I want to tick it off my list. Who knows, maybe in the future, I’ll go down the Cirque du Soleil pathway again, but for now, I’m focused on this amazing opportunity with RWS.”

Her upcoming contract, which begins on September 26th, 2025, marks a new chapter in Abby’s career, and the timing for this interview couldn’t be more fitting. “I’m so excited for the next 13 months,” Abby continues. “It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to experience life in New York City, working with such a talented group of people at RWS.”

Abby’s swift rise to success can be attributed to a combination of factors, but she attributes much of it to her rigorous training and relentless pursuit of excellence. “Aside from my incredible training at Conroy’s over the last five years, I believe hard work and passion are key to success,” she says. “I’m constantly working on my reel, training, gaining experience, and most importantly, building connections. Being a good cast member and working well with others has been essential for me.”

Her dedication to staying connected to the industry and improving her skills has played a crucial role in her rapid success. “The work never stops,” Abby shares. “Even after I’ve secured a contract, I continue to push myself to be better and grow as an artist. That consistency and drive have made all the difference.”

Like many dancers, Abby’s career path has not been without obstacles. She faced a major setback when a hip injury sidelined her for nearly a year during her first year of full-time training. “Unfortunately, injuries are a big part of a dancer’s life, and I didn’t get a small share of them,” Abby admits. “The hip injury took me out of dance for almost a year. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, but I was lucky to have incredible support from my teachers and peers, who helped me stay focused on my goals. That period really shaped the dancer I am today.”

Injury recovery, especially for a dancer, is a difficult journey that requires both physical and mental resilience. “It took a lot of hard work, especially mentally,” she reflects. “But I believe if it wasn’t for that injury, I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today.”

Abby’s experience with injury has left a lasting impact on her, and it’s something she hopes to give back to the dance community in the future. “Later in my career, I’d really like to explore physiotherapy and assist dancers in overcoming the challenges I faced,” she says. “I know how important it is to have the right support and rehabilitation during those tough times, and I want to be able to offer that to others.”

Conroy Performing Arts College (CPAC) played a pivotal role in shaping Abby into the well-rounded artist she is today. “Conroy’s has been my second home for the last five years, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Abby says. “I’ve made lifelong friends and incredible connections with my teachers. I started part-time in grade 11, and from then on, my passion, skills, and confidence grew. CPAC shaped me into the dancer I am today.”

Abby credits CPAC for its broad range of training and its commitment to fostering the growth of its students. “I’m so thankful for the wide variety of classes and the top-tier teachers at CPAC,” she explains. “From classical ballet to contemporary and even singing, I’ve been encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and explore every aspect of my artistry.”

For dancers considering full-time training after high school, Abby has some valuable advice. “Choosing a school that offers a variety of styles is very important because every audition and job is different,” she says. “At Warner Bros. Movie World, I sang, spoke, and danced. In Cirque Alice, I tumbled and performed commercially. In my upcoming contract, I’ll be performing heels and lyrical shows. These are all so different, and I’m lucky to have been well-prepared for it all.”

Since transitioning into the professional dance world, Abby has learned much about the expectations and demands of the industry. “I can confidently say that I’ve been prepared so well for the real world,” she says. “Everything I walked into was exactly as expected. CPAC taught me not just how to dance, but also how to be well-groomed, disciplined, hard-working, and, most importantly, kind.”

Abby believes casting teams look for more than just technical ability. “Casting teams are looking for who you are as a person,” she shares. “What can you bring to the table beyond dance? How do you captivate the audience every night and make them feel something different? It’s so important to find your own style, your strengths, and to be able to work well with a group.”

Abby is preparing for her upcoming adventure with RWS, and while living away from home for 13 months is a big step, she feels ready for the challenge. “I’ve never lived away from home before, so 13 months is a big step, but I feel ready,” she says. “I’ve wanted to live this dream for longer than I can remember. I’m lucky that Conroy alumni are all over the world, so I’ll have friends close by. I’ve also received so much advice and support from older CPAC graduates who are currently performing worldwide.”

Reflecting on her journey, Abby shares some important advice she would give her 16-year-old self. “I’d tell her that it’s all worth it, a mountain isn’t climbed without bumps along the way” she says. “I’d also tell her I’m so proud of all the hard work she’s done to become the dancer I am today.”

Abby Lennon’s future is incredibly bright, and her journey proves that with dedication, resilience, and the right support, dreams really do come true. As she embarks on her contract with RWS, we can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes her.