The Ballet Boys Project

Thomas Dixon Centre & Queensland Ballet Academy

The Ballet Boys Project

#Queensland Ballet presents

#The Ballet Boys Project

Free ballet classes for boys aged 11 - 14


Queensland Ballet is taking the global decline of boys in ballet and dance very seriously and is committed to changing this downward trend and addressing what is potentially a sustainability issue for our artform.  As such, we are encouraging the dance and broader community to join this movement with us to ensure the tradition of ballet – although ever evolving, lives on with strong participation from male dancers.  

As the first part of The Ballet Boys Project, we are thrilled to offer free weekly classes to boys aged 11 – 14, commencing on Monday 8 July 2024 at the homes of Queensland Ballet (West End) and Queensland Ballet Academy (Kelvin Grove).  

This initiative aims to remove barriers for boys wanting to take ballet classes by offering these boys-only classes at no cost, with no uniform requirements, and no audition required. 

This is a unique opportunity to bring together boys who are enjoying ballet in the community sector, sometimes as the only boy in their class. 


Students will enjoy the following benefits: 

  • forging friendships with other boys who dance   

  • focusing on male-specific ballet technique   

  • classes and mentoring by leading professional male teachers   

  • building a support network of likeminded peers    

  • dancing in purpose-built, professional dance studios

  • enjoying a safe and encouraging environment   

  • being inspired by witnessing older boys and men pursuing their love of ballet in our facilities   

#Main Teacher


Christian Tàtchev

Christian Tàtchev

Director of Queensland Ballet Academy

Please note: Additional teachers from Queensland Ballet Academy’s faculty and/or Queensland Ballet may also teach throughout the term.

Important information

Ages
11 – 14 (Academic Years 6 – 9)

Dates
Every Monday from 8 July – 9 September 2024 (Term 3) and 30 September - 2nd December (Term 4)

Please note classes will not run during the school holidays or King's Birthday public holiday.

Times
5.15 – 6.45pm


Class Schedule & locations

Term 4

30 September – Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy)

7 October – Public Holiday (no class)

14 October – West End (Queensland Ballet) 

21 October – West End (Queensland Ballet) 

28 October – Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy) 

4 November – Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy) 

11 November – Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy) 

18 November– Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy) 

25 November – Kelvin Grove (Queensland Ballet Academy) 

2 December – West End (Queensland Ballet) 


Addresses 

THOMAS DIXON CENTRE
406 Montague Road
West End QLD 4101 

QUEENSLAND BALLET ACADEMY
Gate 1, 101 L'Estrange Terrace
Kelvin Grove QLD 4059 


Commitment  

Boys are encouraged to attend weekly from 8 July 2024 for maximum benefit, although attendance is not compulsory.  

Please note: New students may be considered to join at any time throughout the term.  


Eligibility   

Male students in Academic Years 6 – 9 with previous ballet (or dance) experience.  

Minimum syllabus level – RAD Grade 5, Intermediate Foundation or equivalent.   

Please note: Consideration of applicants outside this age group and experience level will be made once all other applicants have been considered and if places are available.   


Entry   

No audition, selection via online application.   

Please note: It is preferred that parents/carers discuss participation with their child’s dance teacher before applying. 


Attire 

There is no set uniform for these classes, however, to ensure safe participation and in-line with best practice, students are required to wear ballet shoes and class attire (e.g. tights, fitted top or unitard, boy’s support as required).   


Class Fees  

Classes are free. All fees are fully subsidised by Queensland Ballet. 



#Register for The Ballet Boys Project


Please ensure you have read and understood the Project’s Terms and Conditions before registering.  

register now

#Participant feedback


"Nathanael loves ballet and this is such a great opportunity for him to experience dancing with other boys and learning from a male teacher. He is hoping to continue dancing just because he loves it and knows how good it is for him. Learning with other boys helps inspire him to continue whether he makes a career out of it or not."

"My boy loves ballet and we thought this was the perfect opportunity for him to attend an all boys class and meet other boys who love ballet too."

– Hugo

"The opportunity for Boys to have a class together with a male teacher. Josh is the only boy in all of his dance classes so this is a remarkable opportunity."

"The chance to spend time with other boys who dance, and do a class that is specifically boy orientated rather than mixed."

– Leo


#Details

When

Where

Thomas Dixon Centre & Queensland Ballet Academy

Cost

Free

Ages

11 — 14


#Related

Summer School Holiday Program

Ages

6 — 10

Summer School Holiday Program

Queensland Ballet Academy

2025 Summer School

Ages

10 — 18

2025 Summer School

Queensland Ballet Academy

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and perform. Long before we performed on this land, it played host to the dance expression of our First Peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders — past, present and emerging — and acknowledge the valuable contribution they have made and continue to make to the cultural landscape of this country.

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