They’re big pointe shoes but Millie Sanderson is undaunted.
At just 17 years of age she’s taken on ownership of the Tamborine Mountain Dance Academy (TMDA) alongside mum Sharee Young.
Millie and Sharee were offered the opportunity to buy the business after former owner, Poppy-Jane Todd was offered a full-time job with the state government in Brisbane.
“It’s definitely big shoes to fill, but I’m really excited and it’s always something I’ve wanted to do – to go into business,” Millie said.
“We accepted it straight away. It was a lot at first to come to terms with but it’s something we have envisioned for ourselves.
“I’m excited to do the management side but also the creative.”
Millie has been helping Sharee with the administration of the studio and planning of activities all year so has already dipped her toes in the water.
She began dancing at TMDA two years ago and prior to that at Elite Dance Academy on the Gold Coast.
“I love the community at TMDA and the environment,” she said.
“My favourite style is jazz. I love the discipline dancing gives you, but it’s also a great outlet. The best part is the memories and fun I make through my dance friends.”
After a gruelling third term of choreographing and starring as Barbie in the end of year concert for TMDA, Millie went straight into performing in Florence at Zamia Theatre together with other members of TMDA.
It’s a been a huge year finishing year 11 at Tamborine Mountain State High School with principal’s honours and academic excellence and being elected school captain for 2026.
“I feel honoured. It was a tough group of nominees, but it’s also something I’ve always wanted to do. I love the leadership roles. I’m eager to grow myself as a leader even more with this opportunity,” Millie explained.
“I hope to inspire the younger generation, leave a positive legacy and instil values. I also want to explore how I can build up the community and get everyone involved, utilising the strengths of those around me to get an end result.”
Between school and dancing Millie works at Main St Provedore, which she also loves.
In her spare time she admits she loves shopping, the beach and getting dressed up and going to new restaurants.
In 2024 she tackled the 48km Kokoda Challenge and spent a lot of time training for it hiking in the national parks around the mountain.
Millie and her family moved to the mountain from the Gold Coast in 2018 to take advantage of the great schools, starting out at St Bernard Primary School in and she was in year four.
“It was great going to a small school and knowing everyone. It’s been a safe and close-knit environment to grow up in. I think it’s one of the best things we’ve done,” she said.
On completion of year 12, she plans to apply to the Defence Force Academy in Canberra to study a degree in business with the aim of working in management.
“I really enjoy leadership. It’s my passion. Maybe it comes from having two younger brothers. I’ve always been very organised; it’s well in my roots,” she said.
“I’m very excited and open to all the growth and learning that will come this year and honoured to be given these opportunities.”
