Academy Program
Designed for students in academic Years 10 - 12 who wish to pursue a career in ballet or dance.
The Academy Program is an advanced stage course preparing students for the demands of professional training and performance. In these upper levels, students refine their technique and artistry while building independence and professional readiness.
#Introducing our new Academy Program
The Academy of Queensland Ballet has long been a beacon of excellence in ballet training, nurturing talent in Queensland for decades.
From 2027, the Academy will continue this legacy through a new unified model.
New home
Students will continue to split their day with half a day dance training, 6 days per week, however all dance classes will now be delivered at the Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet.
Closer connection to the Company
This new alignment will provide unparalleled connection with the professional industry, Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Team, visiting artists, choreographers and stagers. Students will also receive first consideration when student performers are required in productions by Queensland Ballet.
Flexible education pathways
The Academy maintains a long-standing partnership with Kelvin Grove State College, however, for those who prefer alternative academic pathways, students are equally supported in exploring other options, whether that involves attending a different secondary school or pursuing distance learning arrangements.
Skill-based progression
The Academy will continue to develop students' skills to the highest artistic and technical standard and remains committed to providing invaluable performance opportunities and ongoing health and wellbeing support.
Placement in the program is not based on academic years, but on each student’s level of skill, as well as physical and artistic development.
Students undertake half a day of dance training from Monday - Saturdays. This equates to up to 25 hours of dance studies per week, alongside a well-balanced academic study load.
Studies cover all aspects of classical ballet training including:
Daily class
Pas de deux
Repertoire
Pointe
Technique
And training in:
Classical character dance
Historical dance
Contemporary dance
Contemporary partnering
Improvisation and choreography
Body conditioning
General fitness
Additional supplementary subjects, such as musicality studies, ballet history, drama and mime, career preparation, and sessions focusing on safe dance practice, performance psychology and sports nutrition are offered throughout the course*.
* Subjects offered based on level of training. Some levels may not offer all subjects.
The Academy maintains a long-standing partnership with Kelvin Grove State College, providing students with a guaranteed pathway to enrol should they wish to undertake their academic studies there. Bus transport is available for those students travelling to the College in the afternoon.
For those who prefer alternative academic pathways, students are equally supported in exploring other options, whether that involves attending a different secondary school or pursuing distance learning arrangements.
Information regarding home education can be found on the Queensland Government website at qld.gov.au search ‘home education’.
Students who successfully complete the program also receive a Statement of Attainment endorsed by Queensland Ballet and the Department of Education. Vocational Education and Training (VET) accredited courses (e.g. Diploma of Business) may also be available to students through their academic provider.
Completion of each of the Academy Program Levels allows students to attain credit points which contribute to their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), via Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
The Academy of Queensland Ballet has received a positive notice of recognition from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) for Academy Program (Levels 3 to 1). Recognition by this Queensland Government statutory body allows students completing these levels to attain credit points which will contribute to their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Entry into all Academy programs is by invitation or audition only. Auditions are held annually on a set date, and are open to local, interstate and overseas applicants.
#Discover more
Academy Fees
Find out information relating to Academy fees and financial support.
Auditions
Find out detailed information about auditions for all our programs.