Rhiannon Fairless

Honours Student (She/Her)

My name is Rhiannon Fairless, and I completed my Bachelor of Science (Psychology) in 2021 and am currently doing my Honours thesis at Massey University. My Honours project is looking at the demographics of professional ballet dancers and exploring how sexual orientation, gender, and authenticity at work impact the well-being of professional ballet dancers internationally. I am particularly interested in this field given that in addition to my studies, I am a professional ballet dancer. Throughout my ballet career, I have danced with The Australian Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, and The Royal New Zealand Ballet, and now dance for the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Germany. As one of the few "out" rainbow ballerinas in this industry, I am passionate about humanizing high-performance athletes and artists by highlighting the many facets that make up their identities. I hope to contribute to the building of more inclusive cultures in these industries where all performers feel safe, valued, and empowered. 

What brings me joy?

The beach! Being close to water always makes my heart so happy.