Pre-Professional Year 2027 Prospectus by SydneyDanceCompany

“PPY has changed my perception of contemporary dance and has allowed me to explore the possibilities this beautiful artform has to offer.”

Faith Draeger PPY25-26

Pre-Professional Year 2027 Prospectus

About Sydney Dance Company

Sydney Dance Company, celebrating more than 50 years of defining contemporary dance in Australia, is a national and international touring Company and has appeared on the great dance stages of the world, from Sydney Opera House to The Joyce Theatre (New York), Royal Opera House (London), Shanghai Grand Theatre and Théâtre National de la Danse Chaillot (Paris).

Sydney Dance Company is a not for profit organisation and is funded through a combination of government grants, private philanthropy, and self-generated commercial revenue. Actively creating and touring new work under the Artistic Directorship of Rafael Bonachela since 2009, the Company maintains an ensemble of 17 professional dancers. Performances include works by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and guest choreographers including Jacopo Godani, Melanie Lane, Alexander Ekman, Gideon Obarzanek, Marina Mascarell, Antony Hamilton, Gabrielle Nankivell

and Cheng Tsung-lung, as well as collaborations with Sydney Festival, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Composing Women and composers Bryce Dessner, Nick Wales, 48nord and the late Ezio Bosso.

In 2014 Sydney Dance Company launched the PreProfessional Year (PPY) providing contemporary dance training in a professional environment. Since then, Sydney Dance Company’s training programs have expanded to include not only the full-time PPY program but also Accredited Short Courses, Professional Intensives, Youth Ensembles, and an accredited Teacher Training program. These offerings provide diverse pathways for performers and educators to refine their practice, develop their artistry, and deepen their understanding of dance technique, performance, and choreography.

h Photo by Daniel Boud. Continuum - Somewhere between ten and fourteen (2025).

Message from Rafael Bonachela Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

As Artistic Director, I take immense pride in witnessing the journeys of our PPY alumni. Seeing them step onto stages across the world, whether in national and international companies or through independent collaborations, is a constant reminder of the dedication, passion, and artistry that defines this program. Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the community of support and mentorship that has shaped them along the way.

At Sydney Dance Company, we are invested in the future of dance and the artists who will define it. The Pre-Professional Year reflects this, situating emerging dancers within a professional context where rigour, curiosity, and artistic integrity are expected. In dialogue with the Company’s artistic vision, participants develop an understanding of what is required to sustain a career in today’s dance landscape.

As one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies, we are committed to cultivating the next generation of artists with depth, intelligence and agency. We look forward to welcoming the 2027 PPY cohort into our studios.

“With sophisticated technique, authentic movement and a strong sense of the artist within, PPY graduates are brave and generous when working within the contemporary dance industry.”

Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company

h Photo by Wendell Teodoro

Sydney Dance Company Studios

Sydney Dance Company’s home is on the lands and over the waters of the Gadigal. Sydney Dance Company acknowledges and pays respect to the Gadigal as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and create.

Since moving into the Wharf Studios in 1986, our space, hewn from Sydney’s industrial heritage, has been the creative heart of the Company. For decades, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of people into our studios, cultivating a vibrant community of professional artists, students, and dance enthusiasts. Perched over the water at Walsh Bay, these stunning studios have become synonymous with Sydney Dance Company, providing an inspiring space for movement, creativity, and connection.

Our state-of-the-art studios and facilities, located within the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, provide endless opportunities to explore dance, performance, training, and wellness. Comprising five world-class studios, a fully equipped strength and conditioning studio and an intimate 79-seat black-box theatre, they support both the development and sharing of dance.

Visitors and dancers alike enjoy the vibrant wharf café, a welcoming space with stunning water views, perfect for reflecting after class or simply soaking in the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

h Photo by Daniel Boud

About Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year (PPY)

Located at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, in the heart of Sydney, PPY offers a unique opportunity for aspiring professional dancers to train full-time alongside a resident dance company. Immersed in a professional environment, students gain a broad and multifaceted perspective on the dance industry, preparing them for a sustainable career in contemporary dance.

Encompassing a wide spectrum of industry-aligned dance practices, students train as an ensemble and work with over 40 choreographers, teachers and company affiliates each year. The expansive and highly curated program encompasses a diverse range of practices and movement philosophies, forging a direct link to the global contemporary dance community, including the opportunity to learn, rehearse and perform existing repertoire choreographed by Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela.

Spanning two years, analytical and critical thinking is developed to process and embody a wealth of artistic and technical knowledge. Each extended workshop, masterclass or choreographic development emphasises both the expansion of ability and the self-regard required in a professional setting. Students complete the CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the first year and the CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the second year of training (RTO #45863).

“From emulating life in a full-time dance company to exploring the pathway of an independent freelance artist, choreographer or teacher, PPY will provide the guidance and care to empower you to find your individual pathwhether in career or purpose.”

Linda Gamblin Head of Training, Sydney Dance Company

h Photo by Daniel Boud. PPY25

Tenebris.

Linda Gamblin Head of Training

Linda Gamblin trained at The Royal Ballet School (London) before performing soloist and principal roles with The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Portugal and Sydney Dance Company. Alongside her international performing career, Linda developed specialist expertise in Pilates, anatomy and biomechanics, completing a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology (UK). This foundation informs her distinctive, evidence-based approach to classical and contemporary dance training, integrating functional movement awareness with artistic excellence. Her ongoing professional development in mindfulness, psychology and mental health continues to shape her commitment to safe, sustainable and emotionally intelligent learning environments.

As Head of Training, Linda pioneered Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program in 2014, establishing a forward-thinking model that embodies the lived demands of the industry. Grounded in holistic, inclusive and rigorous pedagogical practice, this model supports the artistic, physical and psychological development of young dancers and now underpins all advanced training at Sydney Dance Company, including the nationally accredited Teacher Training Program.

Linda holds the CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), CUA50311 Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, CUA40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology UK and current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.

“I

am passionate to inspire young people through the exploration of dance, supporting their personal and professional development. I value both the strength of the group environment and the space for each individual to grow with confidence as they prepare for a professional career in the performing arts.”

Linda Gamblin Head of Training, Sydney

Dance Company

h Photo by Daniel Boud

Juliette Barton Training Associate

With a performance career spanning over 20 years, Juliette has worked with choreographers including Rafael Bonachela, Alexander Ekman, Jacopo Godani, Emanuel Gat, Russell Maliphant, Andonis Foniadakis, Gideon Obarzanek, Gabrielle Nankivell, Adam Linder and Keneth Kvanstrom. Juliette was a Company dancer at Sydney Dance Company for 12 years, with her final performance in 2021. Throughout her career, Juliette has performed to critical acclaim across Australia and the world including in New York, London, Germany, France, Russia, China, Korea, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile. As a choreographer, Juliette has created solo works for Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed 2014 season, and the Art Gallery NSW Archie Plus program in 2020. In 2024 Juliette joined Bangarra Dance Theatre for a 6-month sabbatical as Rehearsal Director.

Juliette officially joined Sydney Dance Company’s Advanced Training team in 2022 bringing a wealth of industry and educational experience, combined with a Bachelor of Arts/Dance (WAAPA), a Postgraduate Certificate in Communications (Griffith University), and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116). Juliette is also trained in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

Todd Sutherland Training Associate

Todd is an accomplished Australian dancer, teacher, choreographer, and arts professional with over two decades of experience across leading performing arts organisations. He trained at The Australian Ballet School, during which time he performed with The Australian Ballet and toured nationally with The Dancers Company.

Todd went on to secure a full-time position with Queensland Ballet, performing leading roles across both classical and contemporary repertoire, before joining Sydney Dance Company. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Rafael Bonachela on more than 15 original works and performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Touring highlights include Between Breath & Form (New York, Barcelona, London) and 2 One Another, an award-winning production presented across North and South America, Germany, China, and Russia.

He has performed works by leading international choreographers, including William Forsythe, Alexander Ekman, Cheng Tsung-lung, Andonis Foniadakis, Stephanie Lake, Melanie Lane, and Kristina Chan, among others.

In addition to his performance career, Todd has worked as a guest aerial artist with Legs On The Wall, including Lovers for Sydney World Pride (2023). He began his professional journey as an elite artistic gymnast, representing Australia and becoming a Queensland State Champion.

Todd joins PPY Training Team as Training Associate, bringing his professional performance expertise and teaching experience to the course to provide ballet technique and Sydney Dance Company repertoire training. Todd is also a regular teacher with Sydney Dance Company’s open class program.

Omer Backley-Astrachan PPY Program Manager

Omer Backley-Astrachan is a choreographer and educator with a diverse artistic background.

As a performer, Omer has worked with leading companies and choreographers including Kamea Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Idan Cohen Dance Company, Jerusalem Dance Theatre, Marina Abramović, Mel O’Callaghan, Kay Armstrong, Dean Walsh, Sue Healey and Joshua Thomson.

Over the past decade, Omer has been working at the heart of Australia’s arts industry. He continuously engages with local dance organisations such as Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, Dance Makers Collective, and FORM Dance Projects, all of whom play a role in supporting his work and the development of his practice.

Omer has created four full-length works, including Rhapsody, Valley, TOHU, and Common Place presenting in Australia and internationally. His body of work has been supported by organisations such as Create NSW, Ausdance NSW, Bundanon Trust and BrandX, among others.

In 2018, Backley-Astrachan was appointed Course Coordinator at Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year (PPY), where, for five years, he mentored the next generation of leading dance creatives in Australia. During this time, he created two major works with the PPY dancers, including Fugue (2020) with Jane Sheldon and Folk (2021).

From 2023 to 2026, Omer served as Producer and Associate Artist with Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub. In this role, he collaborated closely with the organisation to support and strengthen the independent dance sector across regional and metropolitan contexts.

In 2026, he returned to Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year as Program Manager, continuing his commitment to education, mentorship, and sector development.

Lexy Panetta Learning Associate

Alexandria Panetta (Lexy) is a Sydney-based artist, choreographer and academic with a strong interest in dance performance, improvisation, writing and film. Lexy holds a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours - Dance Studies), Bachelor of Arts (Dance) and Bachelor of Education, all from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). In 2022 Lexy received a competitive research scholarship to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil in Creative Practice) at UNSW. Her thesis ‘Enacting (Re)Actions: Affect Theory and Embodied Resonance in Improvisational Contemporary Dance and Compositional Pedagogy’ contributes to the educational sphere in NSW and Australia and analyses the core of improvisation, supporting the creative value and potential of choreographic development through improvisational skills. Lexy works as a passionate academic in the dance education faculty at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) and continues her aspirations as a dance researcher, incorporating theory, philosophy and practice in her written and practical work.

As the Learning Associate for the Sydney Dance Company, Lexy offers her insights and perspective in educational approaches to dance and creativity. She is passionate about the alignment and application of valued industry skillsets to training and education. Lexy creates and delivers academic resources and content for Sydney Dance Company’s Advanced Training programs including the Pre-Professional Year and Teacher Training.

Eugénie English Training Coordinator

Eugénie English is Alumni of Sydney Dance Company’s (PPY 2018), graduating with a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113). After completing PPY, Eugénie continued her education through the University of Sydney and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies. Eugénie takes an interest in educational practices that encourage creative and critical thinking skills to inspire autonomy in the learner.

Through her role as Training Coordinator, Eugénie facilitates the student journey from enrolment through to graduation, supporting student communications and accreditation delivery for the Pre-Professional Year team.

Eugénie continues her interest in education and is currently enrolled in her Master of Teaching (Secondary) to develop her expertise.

Felicity McGee Conditioning Studio Manager

Felicity works closely with the Company Physiotherapist to oversee the strength and conditioning programs for both Ensemble dancers and PPY students. Leveraging her comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and Pilates expertise, Felicity tailors programs to enhance performance and promote injury prevention and rehabilitation. Her dedication to holistic movement education ensures that each individual receives personalised attention and guidance towards achieving their performance goals.

Felicity is a graduate of Elmhurst Ballet School in England and gained further experience as an apprentice dancer with Balletto di Siena in Italy. She holds a Diploma in Contemporary Pilates Teaching Methodology from Tensegrity Training and has extensive experience as a Clinical Pilates Instructor, collaborating closely with physiotherapists. Felicity has also completed specialised training with leading breath and posture physiotherapist Jakki Tobin and holds a Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

“Learning from a diverse range of renowned artists and mentors has broadened my artistic vocabulary, expanded my boundaries and deepened my feeling and thinking process around the expression of movement.”

Louis Corry

PPY25-26

h Photo by Daniel Boud. Dancers Louis Corry and Xanthe Creighton

Pre-Professional Year Program Overview

Curriculum

The Pre-Professional Year program consists of two cohorts and runs Monday to Friday between 9am and 4:30pm, following the NSW school terms. The curriculum includes daily classes in a variety of contemporary techniques, classical ballet, improvisation, creative task skills, choreography and composition, as well as somatic practices such as yoga and meditation, alongside industry lectures. Technical morning classes are followed by extended performance workshops and choreographic developments with prominent national and international choreographers.

Performances

PPY offers numerous opportunities for students to perform in formal and informal settings. From regular performances in the Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company’s 79-seat black-box theatre, students enjoy many opportunities to network with and present their work to industry leaders.

Professional Experience

In the first year of study, students attend regular Company classes in a roster system throughout the year. In the second and final year of study, placements of up to two weeks are offered within Sydney Dance Company’s professional ensemble. During placements, students learn repertoire from Company members and artistic staff, watch studio runs and participate in rehearsals.

Conditioning Studio

In the expertly equipped Conditioning Studio, students receive personalised fitness and conditioning mentoring from Felicity McGee, Sydney Dance Company’s fulltime Conditioning Studio Manager. Working alongside the company’s physiotherapist, Felicity provides tailored Pilates instruction and innovative conditioning techniques to support the students’ technical training and physical care.

Well-Being

At Sydney Dance Company, we believe that thriving artists need both physical and mental resilience to reach their full potential. We are committed to supporting independence and artistic growth wholeheartedly, creating an environment where high support and high challenge work together to foster integrity and motivation. This balance ensures a positive and rewarding experience in both personal and professional pursuits.

Sydney Dance Company provides all staff and students with free and confidential wellness and counselling sessions. Whether you need a brief 15-minute checkin for practical advice or a full session, professional support is available to help maintain your physical and mental well-being.

Course Accreditation

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year offers two nationally recognised training qualifications through a specialised curriculum tailored to global industry standards.

PPY comprises two cohorts of approximately 26 dancers. Ranging in age from 18 to 24, the two groups train separately, however from time to time they will work collaboratively on shared projects and productions.

Successful applicants who have not yet completed diploma-level tertiary education or higher join the first year of training and complete CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). All graduating first-year students can progress to the second year of training to complete CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). Successful applicants who have already completed diploma-level tertiary education or higher join the second year and complete CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).

Sydney Dance Company as a Registered Training Organisation

Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863). Sydney Dance Company will monitor students’ progression throughout the course and ensure national requirements for training and assessment are met.

As a Registered Training Organisation, Sydney Dance Company is bound by federal legislation and holds ultimate responsibility for the education of students enrolled in nationally accredited qualifications.

Sydney Dance Company reports to government departments as necessary. For students who successfully complete all assessment requirements for each unit of competency, Sydney Dance Company will issue the final Nationally Accredited qualification.

Pre-Professional Year Focus Areas and Term Dates

Focus Areas of Study

PPY learning is delivered through highly practical sessions across five main focus areas. A typical day includes technique and conditioning classes (yoga, Pilates, classical ballet and contemporary techniques), workshops (improvisation skills, repertoire and industry lectures) and choreographic developments crafted for performance.

Focus Areas

I – Industry

Investigating current trends, industry infrastructure, and professional pathways helps dancers develop the skills to navigate today’s dance landscape. This focus area prepares dancers to become job-ready, fostering a critical and entrepreneurial mindset to shape sustainable careers in dance. Through industry workshops, mentorship, and real-world applications, students gain insights into freelance and company structures, funding opportunities, networking, and career longevity.

II – Technique

Students engage in a critical and empirical exploration of contemporary and classical techniques, developing a deeper awareness of how intention, efficiency, and biomechanics shape movement. This approach ensures that all bodies, regardless of anatomical structure, can achieve optimal proficiency in dance technique. This method fosters freedom of movement, alignment, and adaptability, ensuring that movement is sophisticated, precise, and deliberate.

III

– Conditioning

Personal and physical development, self-awareness, resilience and self-care are central to training. Through mindful and rigorous conditioning practices, including Pilates and strength training, students cultivate a deeper understanding of applied anatomy, biomechanics, and the physiological principles that support strength, endurance, and efficient movement. This approach fosters balance, longevity, and a sustainable, injury-free dance practice.

IV – Choreography

Through creative exploration, choreographic development, and structured improvisation, students cultivate leadership skills essential for working in professional, co-creative, and collaborative environments. Emphasising both individual artistry and ensemble work, this focus area encourages students to refine their choreographic voice while engaging in dynamic creative processes. Regular studio showings provide opportunities to present works in progress, receive feedback, and deepen their understanding of composition and movement creation.

V – Performance

Students refine and redefine their movement and performance qualities through extensive rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year, fostering professionalism and adaptability. Artistry emerges through experimentation, constructive feedback, and reflective debrief sessions. This focus area explores the essential aspects of performance, including dancing for both stage and screen, maintaining a respectful and safe workplace, and understanding the broader demands of professional performance environments.

Term Dates 2027

Term 1 Monday 8 February – Friday 9 April (9 weeks)

Term 2 Tuesday 27 April – Friday 25 June (9 weeks)

Term 3 Monday 19 July – Friday 24 September (10 weeks)

Term 4 Monday 11 October – Saturday 11 December (9 weeks)

*Term dates are subject to change.

Pre-Professional Year Accreditation

Pre-Professional Year One

CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)

CUACHR413 Develop choreography skills

CUACHR511 Create and perform complex dance pieces

CUADAN511 Refine ballet techniques

CUADAN512 Refine ballet performance skills

CUADAN515 Refine contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN517 Refine dance partnering techniques

CUADAN518 Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN531 Refine dance techniques

CUAFIM511 Source funding for projects

CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice

CUAPRF511 Refine performance techniques

CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments

CUARES501 Refine conceptual understanding of dance

CUARES601 Research and apply concepts of live performance practice

CUAWHS411 Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning

CUAWHS413 Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development

CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance

Pre-Professional Year Two

CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)

CUACHR511 Create and perform complex dance pieces

CUACHR611 Create choreography for stage and screen

CUADAN517 Refine dance partnering techniques

CUADAN518 Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

CUADAN531 Refine dance techniques

CUADAN613 Extend ballet techniques to a professional level

CUADAN617 Extend dance techniques to a professional level

CUADAN618 Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level

CUADAN631 Perform dance repertoire at a professional level

CUAFIM511 Source funding for projects

CUAMPF612 Manage stagecraft aspects of performances

CUAPRF511 Refine performance techniques

CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments

CUARES501 Refine conceptual understanding of dance

CUARES601 Research and apply concepts of live performance practice

CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance

CUAWHS611 Apply advanced gym and weight training to dance

CUAWHS612 Develop strategies for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863).

Fees

Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year fee is $17,500.00 (no GST is charged) per year of training. Once accepted you will be required to confirm your position and pay an enrolment fee within 14 days of receiving the letter of offer.

Scholarship Opportunities

Sydney Dance Company offers a limited number of fee scholarships, made available thanks to generous support provided by private donors. Students who are unable to meet the course fee requirements are encouraged to apply; all successful applicants are provided with the opportunity to apply for a fee scholarship in the first round of offers. Scholarship applications are assessed by Sydney Dance Company’s review panel on a case-by-case basis. As scholarship funding is limited, priority is given to applicants in the first round of offers. Successful scholarship applicants will be contacted by the end of 2026.

h Photo by Daniel Boud. PPY25 Revealed - The Other Angels (2025).

“Supported by an extraordinary group of mentors, teachers and peers, I feel confident that I am finding myself as a contemporary artist.”

Matilda Butterworth PPY25-26

h Photo by Daniel Boud. Dancers Lia Williamson and Matilda Butterworth.

Pre-Professional Year Training Team

Linda Gamblin

Head of Training – specialising in classical ballet technique, biomechanics, Pilates, conditioning, mentoring and coaching.

Juliette Barton

Training Associate – specialising in contemporary dance technique, master classes, rehearsals and Sydney Dance Company repertoire.

Todd Sutherland

Training Associate – specialising in ballet, rehearsals and Sydney Dance Company repertoire.

Omer Backley-Astrachan

PPY Program Manager – specialising in contemporary movement techniques, improvisation skills and choreographic methodologies.

Lexy Panetta

Learning Associate – specialising in contemporary dance technique, choreographic methodologies, improvisation, academic research and support.

Recent Guest Teachers and Choreographers

Max Burgess

Shane Carroll

Tristan Carter

Penny Chivas

Lucy Guerin

Zee Zunnur

Mitchell Christie

Eliza Cooper

Jill Crovisier

Madeline Harms

Samantha Hines

Olympia Kotopolous

Lucky Lartey

Lee-Anne Litton

Siobhan Lynch

Genki Matsuyama

Lisa Maris McDonell

Casey Natty

Tony Osborne

Thomas Page

Hugo Poulet

Remy Rochester

Alejandro Rolandi

Elizabeth Ryan

Jakki Tobin

Miranda Wheen

Felicity McGee

Conditioning Studio Manager – specialising in Pilates, biomechanics and efficient and effective dance technique including one-on-one training in the conditioning studio

Jolie Brook

Yoga and Somatic Mentoring

Elizabeth Ryan

Meditation Techniques and Mindfulness

Dr Sallie Grey

Psychology and Counselling

When in residence, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Director of Ensemble and Repertoire Richard Cilli, Rehearsal Associate Charmene Yap and members of Sydney Dance Company’s professional Ensemble will deliver classes, workshops and repertoire.

h Photo by Daniel Boud.

Pre-Professional Year Alumni

PPY Alumni have achieved remarkable success, securing employment with internationally renowned dance companies and productions listed below. This list does not include the many diverse independent collaborations and choreographic projects our alumni have contributed to.

Australia

Australasian Dance Collective (Brisbane)

Australian Dance Theatre (Adelaide)

Bangarra Dance Theatre (Sydney)

Catapult Dance (Newcastle)

Chunky Move (Melbourne)

Crystal Pite/ Kidd Pivot performances with Strut Dance (Perth)

Dance North (Townsville)

Force Majeure (Sydney)

FORM Dance Projects (Western Sydney)

Karul Projects (Gold Coast)

Legs on the Wall (Sydney)

Lucy Guerin Inc. (Melbourne)

Ochre Dance Company (Perth)

Opera Australia (Sydney)

Shaun Parker & Company (Sydney)

Stephanie Lake Company (Melbourne)

Sydney Dance Company (Sydney)

Sydney Experimental Arts Ensemble (Sydney)

Tasdance (Launceston)

The Farm (Queensland)

UK and Europe

Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (Germany)

DV8 / Lloyd Newson (England)

Emanuel Gat Dance (Marseille, France)

Göteborgs Operans Danskompani (Gothenburg, Sweden)

IT Dansa (Barcelona, Spain)

Ivan Perez (Heidelberg, Germany)

Moulin Rouge (Paris, France)

National Ballet of Marseille (Marseille, France)

New Adventures / Matthew Bourne (London)

Opera Ballet Vlaanderen (Antwerp, Belgium)

Poetic Disaster Club (Groningen, The Netherlands)

PR-Evolution Dance Company (Budapest, Hungary)

ShELFISH Productions (The Netherlands)

Theo Clinkard & Company (Brighton, UK)

Wayne McGregor Dance Company (England)

North America

Cirque du Soleil (Montreal, Canada)

West Side Story (New York City, USA)

Asia

Fresco Dance Company (Tel Aviv, Israel)

SOL Dance Company (Israel)

T.H.E Dance Company (Singapore)

Other International

Hamilton (International)

Punchdrunk / Maxine Doyle (International)

h Photo by Daniel Boud. PPY25 Revealed - Lux Tenebris.

Pre-Professional Year How to Apply

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an online application, including a video submission, as part of the audition process. All applicants will be invited to attend an inperson audition and may select their preferred audition city: Sydney or Brisbane.

Sydney Audition

Sunday 23 August 2026

Brisbane Audition

Sunday 27 September 2026

If you are unable to attend the live auditions, please select “Video Only Audition” in your online application form.

Applicant Profile

PPY students are typically aged between 17 and 24. Applicants who have completed tertiary or post highschool study may be considered for direct entry into PPY2. Applicants may audition from the age of 16 if they will be turning 18 during their first year of study. It is also recommended that applicants are competent in written and spoken English; however, learning support and reasonable adjustments can be provided where required.

Sydney Dance Company welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of dance training experiences. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

Accredited Training Eligibility

To complete accredited training with Sydney Dance Company, applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens. Sydney Dance Company cannot arrange student visas.

International Applicants

International applicants are welcome to participate in the practical components of the training for up to 10 weeks, provided they hold an appropriate visa allowing them to stay in Australia.

Applications Open: May 2026

All applications must be submitted online via our website: www.sydneydancecompany.com/advancedtraining/pre-professional-year/

Application Fee

Applicants are required to make the $70 application fee payment before completing the online application form. This fee is non-refundable.

Applications Close: Monday 10 August 2026

If the application fee presents a barrier, applicants are encouraged to contact us to discuss options.

Video Footage

Video footage is required as part of the audition process and must be submitted through the online application form. Applicants are asked to provide up to three video links within the application.

The videos should demonstrate technical strengths, knowledge of dance technique and creative curiosity. Submissions must include classical and contemporary techniques; improvisation is optional.

Sydney Dance Company encourages applicants to include footage of cultural dance practices in place of other training styles where appropriate.

Video Sharing Settings

It is important to understand the privacy settings of the video-sharing platforms as Sydney Dance Company does not have control or authority over the safety of these platforms. Settings can be changed so that videos can be viewed with a private link only.

If further advice or information is required, please email training@sydneydancecompany.com or call +61 2 9258 4886.

If you require any support or adjustments to complete your application, please contact:

Eugénie English (She/her) Learning Administrator

eugeniee@sydneydancecompany.com +61 2 9258 4886

All information in this prospectus is subject to change without notice.

h Photo by Daniel Boud. Dancers Alia Peerbaye and Matilda Meidling.