The dance enthusiast enrolled in the performing arts school in 2005 when she was eight and trained there until 2015.

She landed her first job at 18 when she was studying dance full-time in Sydney.

It was a performance dance job for a public art piece by American artist Nick Cave, HEARD:SYD. 

Her task was to dress up with a partner in horse-like costumes and incorporate the costume into the movement and live music. 

Lucianna said rehearsals would happen over a four-day period starting from 9am and finishing at about 3pm, with a dress rehearsal and three performances over two days.

“I would start the day with a group warm-up along with the other 59 dancers, followed by improvisation tasks individually or with your partner,” Lucianna said.

“During these improvisation tasks, we had to create ideas for movement using characteristics of a horse and imagine how to incorporate the costume into movement.”

The keen performer was thrilled to land her first dance job and an opportunity to earn money while doing what she loved, but sometimes found it a struggle to handle the costume.

“I was the head of the horse which meant I was carrying a 10 to 15kg weight on my shoulders as well as being in charge of leading your partner who has their hands on your hips in a flat-back position, under a heavy material costume, while jumping around like horses,” Lucianna said.

“These costumes were not the most breathable and while you’re sweating, it’s very easy to pass out, which my partner did.”

Lucianna found it a challenge to hold up the weight of a second person and dance as much as she could without making it obvious the tail of her horse had fainted.

The talented dancer now works as a dance teacher at The Highlands School of Performing Arts where she specialises in ballet and contemporary, but also teaches jazz.

On an average work day she would spend two to three hours in the morning choreographing a routine, and would teach from 3.30pm to 6pm.

“I love being able to dance for my job and share my knowledge with the students,” Lucianna said.

“I love being able to experiment with movement, patterns and qualities on the groups as it’s difficult to see what movement looks like if you only practice it on yourself.”

Although, Lucianna admitted it can at times get hard to keep the younger ones in line.

“It’s certainly something I keep learning from everyday, what works and what doesn’t, especially how to keep their attention when all they want to do is run around and do cartwheels.”

You can watch Lucianna perform at the Stars of the Highlands Dance for Cancer with Southern Highland News reporter Brooke Gibbs on May 18 at the Mittagong RSL. 

Visit http://mittagongrsl.com.au/event/stars-of-the-southern-highlands/ for tickets.