The National College of Dance, Lambton, students, 16, are two of nine Australians who have been selected in the 80 to complete at the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland in February. “I’m really excited,” Grace said. “I think I’ll get a bit nervous when I get over there because there will be a lot of pressure, but at the moment I’m just really excited.

“I wanted to give it a go because I’ve been watching the competition online for so long now, but you never think you’re definitely going to get in. All the teachers were behind us and boosted our confidence.” Chloe said she felt “overwhelmed”. “It’s such a prestigious competition and you never know what the outcome will be, so the fact it’s worked out is pretty amazing.”

The girls filmed their audition, showing them performing barre and centre-work exercises, as well as a contrasting solo. After they arrive in Lausanne they will work with teachers and perform an established classical ballet solo and a contrasting solo in front of representatives from the world’s leading dance schools and companies.

College owner and teacher Brett Morgan said the competition would “give them the best chance for their future”. “This is massive,” he said. “It’s the most difficult and prestigious ballet competition to get into in the world. We are very proud. These girls have shown a combination of natural talent, guts, determination, discipline and patience. The world is their oyster – any major school in Europe or America would be interested in them. Now it’s up to them to figure out what’s going to move them to the next level.”

The girls attend the college full time and are completing a Certificate IV in Dance. They spend more than 40 hours a week in classes and rehearsing for upcoming performances; watch their diets to ensure they can sustain energy and need at least eight hours sleep each night to rest their bodies. “The feeling you get when you do something good is the best feeling in the world,” Grace said. “No-one can take that from you. Of course other people help you, but it’s so self motivated that you’ve really got yourself to thank. You’ll feel sore and run down, but after 30 minutes you feel so much more content and so much better.”

Chloe said “striving for perfection keeps you going”. “Performing is an adrenaline rush. I feel so happy and free, showing people I’m doing what I love. We want a future out of this.”