2027 Expressions of interest open now!

EXPRESSION FORM HERE
Course Overview

Course Code CUA40120
CRICOS Course Code: 105787J

Perform and study in Australia’s most historic ballet schools. Located within the heritage-listed, National Theatre in St Kilda, students will have an opportunity to learn and grow as a young professional dancer within a working theatre.

While undertaking the Certificate IV in Dance at The National Ballet School, young students can complete their secondary school education and achieve an ATAR score.

Our highly skilled faculty provide excellent training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, cultural dance, teaching, pointe work, jazz dance, choreographic skills and maintaining fitness through gym and conditioning classes.

Students will undertake classes in a variety of dance genres to reflect the demands of the young performer in today’s dance industry. They will be taught to analyse and evaluate information to enhance their understanding of dance and their own practice. Students may have the opportunity to compete in Australian and International competitions and will take part in several productions throughout the year produced by our Artistic Director and performed on The National Theatre stage.

CERTIFICATE IV IN DANCE

Students train in a range of different styles, including classical ballet, contemporary dance, character dance and jazz and tap, as well as in areas such as improvisation, partnering, and repertoire. Developing technical skills better equips students to handle the physical demands of a career in dance, as well as to communicate their ideas and emotions through movement.

In addition to technical training, the Cert IV in Dance exposes students to the dance industry more broadly. This may include guest lectures and workshops from industry professionals, as well as opportunities to attend performances and festivals. An understanding of the wider context in which dance exists, enables students to identify the types of career paths that might be available to them, and to start making informed decisions about their own professional development.

Finally, the Cert IV in Dance helps students to start developing a sense of direction about where they want to take their dance career. This may involve exploring different career paths, such as performing, choreography, teaching, or arts administration, and gaining experience in these areas through practical projects and work experience placements. By the end of the course, students should have a clearer idea of their strengths and interests, as well as the skills and knowledge they need to further their professional development in dance.

Units of Study 6 core units plus 7 elective units (Total 13)

Duration 12 months (approx 21.5 hrs over a 5-6 day week) OR 24 months (approx 14 hours per week)

CORE UNITS 

CUACHR413 Develop choreography skills
CUADAN313 Develop and apply dance partnering techniques
CUADAN417 Develop expertise in dance performance techniques CUAPRF414 Develop movement skills for performance
CUAPRF415 Rehearse for performances
CUAWHS411 Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning

ELECTIVE UNITS
CUACHR411 Create and Perform Dance Pieces
CUADAN418 Develop expertise in ballet techniques
CUADAN419 Develop expertise in contemporary dance techniques CUAPPR414 Develop Self as Artist
CUADTM431 Dance Teaching and Design
CUAPRF314 Develop audition techniques
CUAWHS311 Condition body for dance performance

Auditions for 2027 intake will be held at The National Ballet School in October. Expressions of Interest are open now!

2026

Start

End

#Weeks

Term 1

29 January

3 April

10

2 Weeks holiday

Term 2

20 April

26 June

10

2 Weeks holiday

Term 3

13 July 

18 September

10

2 Weeks holiday

Term 4

5 October 

4 December

9

Students who enter the Certificate IV course will either be completing their final years of schooling or wish to fast track their training towards preparation to audition into the Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) course. The Certificate IV course is designed to give more advanced skills to younger students on their way to full–time training and a professional career. It offers high level training in all dance styles (Ballet, Character, Jazz and Contemporary). A Certificate IV qualification is equivalent to a year 12 level of qualification.

Acceptance is by audition only (followed by invitation to submit last academic results and zoom interview). Applicants must demonstrate competence in Classical Ballet at Certificate III level and have studied a recognised classical ballet syllabus at Intermediate or above.

The Certificate IV in Dance has a minimum age requirement of 15 or completion of Year 9 of secondary school. All Students will need to provide The National Ballet School with evidence of an LLN test in order to enrol.

2026 Fees

AU/NZ students  $13,900 (inc gst) per annum.
International students  $17,500 (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.

The Eileen Tasker Scholarship

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 Scholarship

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+.

To apply for the Arrellah Scholarship, each student should be nominated by their current dance school Director or teacher via an introduction letter including the reasons why they feel this student displays outstanding potential. Please send the letter and any supporting documentation to the Artistic Director, Mr. Damian Smith via damian.smith@nationaltheatre.org.au

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 3–4 production opportunities per year in our very own heritage theatre and produced by our Artistic Director.

Certificate IV students will be encouraged to express and explore their own creativity in our Choreographic Workshop with their fellow dancers.

WHY STUDY AT THE NATIONAL?

Located in the bayside suburb of St Kilda, the National Ballet School Melbourne aims to inspire a lifelong passion for dance. Students will experience the thrill of learning in our purpose-built studios and performing on The National Theatre’s very own heritage stage.

For over 80 years The National Ballet School has continued as a training facility in our purpose built studios located underneath the theatre where more than 16,000 young artists have developed their skills and explored their passion for dance.

Today, we continue to train small groups of dedicated students and nurture them on their preprofessional journey with a focus on mentoring, personalised training and versatility.