Throughout this program, students will develop expertise in classical ballet and other complimentary styles such as contemporary and neoclassical dance. Building on their existing technical skills, students will be challenged to reach new heights of artistic expression through the creation of original works of dance. They will also focus on getting industry ready, with coaching and support to help them prepare for high-level competitions and auditions. Technical training will be a key component of the program, with students pushed to perform at a high level and develop the skills needed to enter the professional ballet world.

Students will receive personalised coaching to help them refine their technique and develop their own style. In addition to technical training, students will receive guidance on how to apply for individual arts grants and other opportunities that help support their career development.

With a focus on both artistry and practical skills, graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the dance industry.

CORE UNITS

CUADAN531 Refine dance techniques
CUADAN631 Perform dance repertoire at a professional level
CUAWHS611 Apply advanced gym and weight training to dance
CUAWHS612 Develop strategies for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment

CUA51520 Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance) through The National Ballet School or another approved provider. Direct acceptance to the course without the Diploma is at the discretion of the Artistic Director based on audition and interview. Additionally, there is a minimum age 16 or over, or the completion of Year 10 or International equivalent.

Acceptance is by audition only.

All students will need to complete an LLN test in order to enrol.Applicants must be at an Advanced Level from a recognised classical ballet syllabus.

AU/NZ student $15,850 (inc gst) per annum.
International Students  $20,100 (inc gst) per annum

Funding

VET Student Loan Scheme and Scholarships may be available for eligible candidates. Please contact admin for further information and application process.

DIANA GIBSON SCHOLARSHIP  –  2027 APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON

Diana Gibson AO has been an extraordinarily generous supporter of the National over many decades. She is deeply passionate about the arts, and this dance scholarship honours her legacy. The Diana Gibson Scholarship covers the full 2 years of tuition fees for one student enrolling in Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance). The recipient is identified through audition and awarded on the basis of talent, exceptional promise, and demonstrable need.

SCHOLARSHIP   –  2027 APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON

The scholarship is offered to prospective full-time students and will cover 50% of study fees and is open to current Certificate IV or Diploma students as well as new enrolments. If you are placed in the Advanced Diploma, funding for second year of study will be discussed with the donor if the two-year study placement is offered.

The scholarship will be received by a student who represents The National Ballet School’s values and demonstrates the following:

• Demonstrated strength in classical ballet technique 

• Strong artistic expression, musicality, and developing performance maturity.

• Commitment to full‑time training with professionalism, reliability, and dedication.

• Clear vocational ambition and readiness for pre‑professional training.

• Positive contribution to school culture and collaborative spirit.

• Eagerness to apply feedback, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Applications are via video submission with a cover letter explaining why they should receive the scholarship.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S SCHOLARSHIP FOR BOYS   –  2027 APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON

This scholarship is open to male dancers who wish to advance their artistry by studying full-time in either the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Dance. Elected by our Artistic Director, Damian Smith, the student will be offered a Full or Half Scholarship for 1 Year of Study,

The scholarship will be received by a student who represents The National Ballet School’s values and demonstrates the following:

• Strong technical foundation and potential for classical ballet as a male artist.
• Artistic sensitivity, musicality, and expressive movement quality.
• Demonstrated courage, discipline, and perseverance.
• Leadership, maturity, and contribution to a respectful studio environment.
• Commitment to long‑term ballet training and aspirations.
• Motivated application video and thoughtful personal statement.

The Eileen Tasker award

This Scholarship, named in honour of the Eileen Tasker OAM, The National Ballet School’s longest serving teacher. She has taught thousands of students since 1975 and is still imparting her knowledge, expertise and love of ballet to many more young dancers. The scholarship is awarded to a student who, in the opinion of the Director and Staff, has demonstrated their professional potential and can show that financial assistance would significantly benefit them. The funds are to be used primarily for the payment of tuition fees. The amount awarded is at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

The Gertrude Johnson award

This Scholarship, named in honour of The National Theatre’s founder is valued at $1000. It is awarded to a student who, in the opinion of the Director and Staff, has demonstrated their professional potential and can show that financial assistance would significantly benefit them. The funds are to be used primarily for the payment of tuition fees.

The Arrellah Indigenous Scholarship

The National Ballet School’s Arrellah scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Arrellah is an Aboriginal word meaning “Dancing Ground” and the scholarship was conceived by The National Ballet School’s Artistic Director Damian Smith. As a proud Wonnarua man of the Upper Hunter Valley, Damian received support in the early stages of his training from several generous individuals and scholarships. He is thrilled to offer this opportunity for full-time dance training and encourage two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who show talent and passion for dance. Applications are welcomed from men and women aged 16yrs+.

Advanced Diploma students have the opportunity to express and explore their own creativity in creating performance work with their fellow dancers. This program is entirely driven by the students giving them a safe and secure platform to explore their imagination and challenge their choreographic ability. They collaborate to create work to present to the artistic director and a selection of work is chosen to be on our program for live audience viewing. This process allows Advanced Diploma students to learn about the concepts of designing, casting, creating and structuring of contemporary or neo classical works. Members of their group take on the challenges of marketing, costume design, lighting and production. Advanced Diploma students are expected to ensure they have experienced a range of roles within the creative process to discover their personal strengths in this Choreographic Program.

Selected students may also have the opportunity to compete in Australian and International Competition, such as: YAGP, AICD, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, Kathleen Gorham Memorial Award, Ballet Teachers Workshop, Alannah Haines Australasian Awards, City of Sydney Eisteddfod just to name a few.

There are at least 3 production opportunities per year with 2 in our very own heritage theatre and produced by our Artistic Director.

All students work with our professional stage crew understanding the roles and options used to create production and scenes and the extensive OHS requirements for stage productions.