Honours Student Kept On Her Toes

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday April 17, 2007

By TESS CAMPBELL

SHE has toured the world on her points, and today former Whitebridge ballet dancer Jane Finnie will realise another dream, graduating from university.

The bio-medical science honours student will graduate from the University of Newcastle with first class honours and the added bonus of the faculty of health medal.

"Not bad for someone who left school in year 10," Ms Finnie said.

At 15, Ms Finnie actively pursued her dancing career and enjoyed 10 years of success, including rising to senior artist with the Australian Ballet.

Accomplished in her field from an early age, the former Marie Walton-Mahon dance student won gold at the Adeline Genee Awards in London in 1989.

After her retirement six years ago Ms Finnie was in the university classroom doing open foundation within a month of getting back home and spent the next four and a half years studying science.

"It was a lot of hard work, but it's like my ballet, because I love it it doesn't really feel like work," Ms Finnie said.

TODAY'S GRADUATIONS

PAGES 36, 37

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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