Mother's Day 2025

Women of LD: Andie Dashwood

Introducing Andie Dashwood—ballet teacher, mother of five, and long-time friend of LD—as the first woman featured in this intimate new series. Based in Melbourne, Andie’s story begins on the Darling Downs, where an early love of dance blossomed into a lifelong calling. Her quiet strength and enduring grace continue to ripple through the Australian performing arts scene—through her students, her children, and the way she moves through the world.

This Mother’s Day, we’re honoured to launch Women of LD—a heartfelt new series that shines a light on the remarkable women whose lives and stories are woven into the fabric of Lannah Dunn.

Our first feature celebrates Andie Dashwood, a Melbourne-based ballet teacher, proud mother of five, and long-time friend of LD. Her story begins on the Darling Downs, where an early love of dance bloomed into a lifelong calling. Today, her influence can be felt across the Australian performing arts scene—through her students, her children, and the enduring grace she carries into every part of her life.

Andie’s journey is one of deep family connection, creativity, and resilience—a perfect reflection of the values we celebrate at Lannah Dunn. In this special interview, she shares her thoughts on motherhood, legacy, and the pieces of jewellery that carry meaning through every chapter.

WHAT HAS NURTURED THE CREATIVE SPIRIT AND STRONG FAMILY VALUES IN YOUR LIFE?

For me, creativity has always been rooted in movement, music and discipline. I’ve carried a deep love for the arts throughout my life, and as a ballet teacher, I’ve had the privilege of guiding and inspiring others. Watching children and young people on their individual journeys has helped me truly understand the importance of perseverance, dedication, passion and pure grit.

My own children continue to reinforce the value of hard work, family and tradition — they inspire me every day. These values are woven into our family life, along with truth, integrity and authenticity, and we try to live them out in everything we do.

HOW DID YOU BALANCE RAISING FIVE CHILDREN WITH YOUR PASSION FOR DANCE- WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

When my children were little, I chose not to work — I cherished every moment of those early years. I loved being close to them, especially during their formative stages. Once they started school, I gradually returned to teaching ballet and choreographing school musicals. It allowed me to nurture my creativity while sharing a joyful and fulfilling part of myself with them, often within their own school environments.

Sharing dance with my children opened up a beautiful space of creativity and connection. It gave them confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging beyond the home.

These days, a typical day begins with walking our two toy poodles along the beach — or sometimes a yoga session followed by a coffee before heading to class. I'm the Classical Ballet Director at SCIMM Dance, a contemporary company. Evenings are often spent with whoever is home for dinner. I still love going to the theatre and keeping up with the performance world — it’s one of life’s great joys, merging work with personal passion. Three of my five children are now professional performers, and I travel whenever I can to watch them on stage — Isobelle with The Australian Ballet in Melbourne, Charlie with the West Australian Ballet in Perth, and LilySophia at The Royal Ballet School in London.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OR PERFORMANCES THAT TRULY CAPTURES YOUR FAMILY'S JOURNEY?

Some of my favourite performances happen right at our dining table. That’s where the real show begins. One of the kids will start reminiscing about an old performance or school piece, and suddenly we’re all laughing as someone breaks into a spontaneous excerpt — or replays a TikTok trend, or gives a hilarious impersonation. Charlie often entertains us with his spot-on accents, and Emily always brings the comic brilliance.

We recreate moments from years gone by and celebrate new ones unfolding. The show lives on long after the curtain comes down — in our memories, our laughter, and the way we’ve all shared in the privilege of dancing, performing and creating together.

HAVING GROWN UP IN QUEENSLAND & THE DARLING DOWNS, WHAT DOES THIS SPECIAL REGION MEAN TO YOU- EVEN AS YOU EMBRACE LIFE IN MELBOURNE?

Regional Queensland was such a beautiful place to raise a family. The sense of community in Toowoomba is something truly special — it’s a place where no one stands alone. We still have strong ties there with family, friends, and a business that keeps us coming back.

There’s a comfort in the familiar — the streets we know, the family businesses that have celebrated life’s milestones alongside us. Beautiful places like Lannah Dunn have helped us mark countless family occasions, creating treasured keepsakes we now carry with us, no matter where we are in the world.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER LANNAH DUNN & WHAT IS IT ABOUT OUR JEWELLERY THAT TRULY RESONATES WITH YOU?

When we moved back to Toowoomba after time in Melbourne and Brisbane, I used to walk past the Margaret Street store with little people in tow. We’d stop and window shop, peering in with curious eyes, noting which pieces might be a gentle suggestion for their Dad…

And so the love for Lannah Dunn began! Every piece I’ve collected represents a moment in time — a memory of motherhood, a marker of a milestone, and a future heirloom.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR PIECE OF JEWELLERY THAT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART- A TOKEN TIED TO A CHERISHED MILESTONE OR TRADITION?

Last year, I received a five-diamond eternity ring from my husband Paul and our children. Each stone represents one of our five children — such a thoughtful, symbolic gift. I love that it can be worn alone or layered with treasured pieces from over the years.

I also wear a locket bracelet and a bangle every day — the bracelet was a gift from Lannah Dunn when Isobelle, my third child, was born. The sound of those two pieces together — their distinct jingle — has become something of a family signature. They always knew when I was coming … a benefit for them perhaps more than me!!! 


As a family, we have our own traditions. For 18th birthdays, we give a Russian wedding ring. For 21sts, a gold monogram signet ring. Both are beautiful symbols of legacy, love, and growing up. It’s special to be able to source these from Lannah Dunn and pass on the joy of collecting meaningful jewellery to the next generation.

WITH MOTHER'S DAY APPROACHING WHAT DOES THIS DAY REPRESENT FOR YOU AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?

Mother’s Day to me has always been a day of reflection. It is a time to count my blessings and feel gratitude for this beautiful family Paul and I have been blessed with.
It is a time to be together and to remember all the people in our lives that have nurtured our hearts and guided our paths.
Family are the ones who hold you up, cheer you on, and love you through every chapter.