Pre-Professional Year 2026 Prospectus
“PPY not only transforms dancers into artists and creators but also encourages personal growth. Through the guidance of others, a true confidence and creative curiosity in discovering my own personal style within contemporary dance has emerged.”
Ines Omodiagbe PPY24-25
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 supported by Creative Australia and Create NSW. 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 Pre-Professional Year (PPY), providing professional training in an unparalleled 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.
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 believe in supporting the next generation of dance artists. PPY is more than just training, it is an immersive experience that challenges, inspires and prepares dancers for the realities of a professional career. With guidance from our artistic team, industry-leading choreographers and professional Company dancers, you will refine your technique, expand your creative voice and develop the confidence to step into your future with purpose.
As one of the most recognised contemporary dance companies in the world, we are deeply committed to providing invaluable opportunities for growth and can’t wait to welcome the PPY students of 2026 into our studios.
Rafael Bonachela,
Artistic DIrector
“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
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. 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. In addition to five world-class studios, Sydney Dance Company boasts a fully equipped strength and conditioning studio and a 79-seat black-box studio theatre. 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.
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 path - whether in career or purpose.”
Linda Gamblin, Head of Training, Sydney Dance Company
Linda Gamblin trained with The Royal Ballet School in London and went on to perform soloist and principal roles in ballets such as Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardee, Beauty and the Beast and more, while working with The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet (London), National Ballet of Portugal and Sydney Dance Company.
Linda has worked with contemporary choreographers such as Michael Clarke, Meryl Tankard, Graeme Murphy and Gideon Obarzanek and has performed works by Jiri Kylian, Maurice Bejart and Jerome Robbins. Her career has seen her travel extensively throughout the world with highly successful tours to Europe, UK, Asia, Russia and USA. Studying and teaching Pilates, Linda attained her Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology which has contributed to her unique approach to the muscular and skeletal systems and biomechanics in classical ballet. Linda’s extensive professional development and personal interest in mindfulness, mental health and psychology are integral to her ongoing work with young people.
As Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Training, Linda Gamblin pioneered the Pre-Professional Year in 2014. Since then, Linda’s approach to dance training continues to be applied to every aspect of training at Sydney Dance Company. Linda holds the qualifications Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113), Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management (CUA50313), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110), First Aid Certificate and Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
“I am thrilled to inspire young people through the exploration of dance while encouraging personal and professional development. I am passionate about both uncovering the spirit of a group environment and allowing space for the individual to confidently accept and mature their genuine nature in preparation for a professional career.”
Linda Gamblin, Head of Training, Sydney Dance Company
Juliette Barton was born in Perth, Western Australia. With a performance career spanning over 20 years, she 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 with her a wealth of industry and educational experience. Juliette holds 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.
Madeline Harms was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, and raised in Melbourne. She graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School before relocating to Europe in 2010 to complete a Bachelor of Dance (BDa) at Codarts University for the Arts in Rotterdam the Netherlands.
Following her studies, Madeline remained in Europe for over a decade, building a career as an independent artist in the Netherlands, before joining tanzmainz, the renowned contemporary dance company of Staatstheater Mainz in Germany. Under the artistic direction of Honne Dohrmann, she worked closely with a vast range of leading choreographers including Sharon Eyal (L-E-V), Rafaële Giovanola (CocoonDancey), Roy Assaf, Guy Weizman and Roni Haver (Club Guy & Roni), and Guy Nader and Maria Campos (GN|MC), and toured extensively throughout Europe and internationally.
In 2022, Madeline returned to Australia to join Sydney Dance Company, performing both nationally and abroad in works by Rafael Bonachela, Antony Hamilton, Tra Mi Dinh, and Riley Fitzgerald. In 2024, she performed with Stephanie Lake Company in Melbourne, touring the award-winning production Manifesto in Spain and France.
A certified Countertechnique teacher since 2021, Madeline studied under the guidance of the method’s founder, Anouk van Dijk, throughout her career. She is a sought-after guest teacher across professional companies, arts organisations, and higher education institutions in both Australia and Europe. Madeline is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning) at Deakin University.
Tobiah Booth-Remmers is a freelance dance producer, creator, performer, teacher and facilitator from Adelaide, Australia. Since graduating from the Adelaide College of the Arts’ Bachelor of Dance Performance course in 2009 Tobiah has worked with a wide range of Australian and international artists, companies and studios.
Most notably he has worked with Branch Nebula, Brink Productions, Larissa McGowan, Lina Limosani, Gabrielle Nankivell, Garry Stewart, Paul Gazzola and Paulo Castro among many others. Tobiah has performed in major arts festivals including the Adelaide Fringe Festival (Aus), Adelaide Festival of the Arts (Aus), Brisbane Festival (Aus), WOMAD (Aus), Dance Massive (Aus), Dublin Dance Festival (Ire) and has performed at the Barbican Centre, London (UK).
Along with his performance work Tobiah is also a prolific creator and teacher. His work extends from large-scale curated warehouse dance festivals through to solo movement, text and imagery pieces, and often centres around humanity and how we interact with ourselves and each other.
He has choreographed many short works for a variety of commissions and programs as well as training institutions including three full-length works with his Adelaide based performance collective; The Human Arts Movement. Tobiah has created short works and lectured in dance at Adelaide College of the Arts, LINK Dance Company, Queensland University of Technology, Transit Dance and Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional Year.
Tobiah also maintains a strong international presence as a dance practitioner and pedagogue. He regularly returns to Europe for residencies, performances and teaching after previously living in Brussels for two years. His performance work has been developed and presented in Bulgaria, Brussels, Sweden and Greece. Tobiah has taught workshops on his own creative and movement practice in Belgium, Israel, France, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Greece and Bulgaria.
In 2022 Tobiah was the Associate Artist at Australian Dance Theatre. As part of this program the company supported him with a year long residency and resources to produce a new full-length experimental work.
As a regular guest teacher and choreographer with Pre-Professional Year since 2015, Tobiah joined Sydney Dance Company as PPY Course Coordinator in 2023.
Alexandria Panetta (Lexy) is a Sydney-based artist, choreographer and academic with a strong interest in dance performance, improvisation, writing and film. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts, BA Dance and BA Education, BA Arts and Social Sciences, Honours in Dance Studies at 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 both dance and education faculties 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.
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 Learning Administrator, Eugénie facilitates the student journey from enrolment through to graduation, supporting student communications and accreditation delivery for the PreProfessional Year team.
Eugénie continues her interest in education and is currently enrolled in her Master of Teaching (Secondary) to develop her expertise.
Felicity works closely with our Company Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist to oversee the strength and conditioning programs for both Company 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.
“PPY has completely immersed me in the world of dance, it has helped shape me as an artist far beyond where I could have ever thought possible and entirely changed the way I move through the world.”
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.
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, to a graduation performance season at a prominent Sydney theatre, students enjoy many opportunities to network with and present their work to industry leaders.
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.
In the expertly equipped Conditioning Studio, students receive personalised fitness and conditioning mentoring from Sydney Dance Company’s full-time Conditioning Studio Manager. Working alongside the company’s physiotherapist, the Conditioning Studio team provide tailored Pilates instruction and innovative conditioning techniques to support the students’ technical training and physical care.
At Sydney Dance Company, thriving artists are encouraged to build both physical and mental resilience to reach their full potential. There is a commitment 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 check-in for practical advice or a full session, professional support is available to help maintain your physical and mental well-being
Sydney Dance Company’s PPY 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 –a Registered Training Organisation
Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863). The 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, the Company will issue the final Nationally Accredited Certificate.
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.
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.
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.
Personal and physical development, selfawareness, 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.
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.
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 2026
Term 1 Monday 2 Feb –Thursday 2 April (9 weeks)
Term 2 Monday 20 April –Friday 3 July (10 weeks)
Term 3 Monday 20 July –Friday 25 September (10 weeks)
Term 4 Monday 12 October –10 December (9 weeks)
*Term dates are subject to change.
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
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).
Sydney Dance Company’s PPY fee is $17,000.00 (no GST is charged) per year of training. Once accepted you will be required to confirm your position and pay an enrolment fee within 21 days of receiving the letter of offer.
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 2025.
“There is something very special about training in a room full of people who are so passionate about the art of contemporary dance. Having the opportunity to learn, often in unique and collaborative ways, from highly experienced artists has been inspirational.”
Poppy Nowlan PPY24-25
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, masterclasses, rehearsals and Sydney Dance Company repertoire.
Madeline Harms
Training Associate – specialising in Countertechnique, masterclasses, rehearsals and Sydney Dance Company repertoire.
Tobiah Booth-Remmers
Course Coordinator – specialising in contemporary movement techniques, floor work, Capoeira, improvisation skills, and choreographic methodologies.
Lexy Panetta
Learning Associate – specialising in contemporary dance technique, choreographic methodologies, improvisation, academic research and support.
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, Rehearsal Director Richard Cilli, Rehearsal Associate Charmene Yap and members of Sydney Dance Company’s professional Ensemble will deliver classes, workshops and repertoire.
Alejandro Rolandi
Annie Jeffries
Beau Dean Riley Smith
Casey Natty
Cass Mortimer Eipper
Catherine Goss
Chloe Young
Courteny Bradford
Dean Elliott
Eliza Cooper
Emma Harrison
Frances Rings
Gabrielle Nankivell
Holly Doyle
Idan Cohen
Iohna Loots
Izzac Carroll
James Batchelor
Jana Castillo
Jasmin Sheppard
Jenni Large
Kristina Chan
Leah Marojevic
Lee Brummer
Lee Serle
Lee-Anne Litton
Lisa Maris McDonell
Louella May Hogan
Lucky Lartey
Melissa Toogood
Miranda Wheen
Mitchell Christe
Natalia Gabrielczyk
Natalie Allen
Nita Little
Olympia Kotopoulos
Penny Chivas
Prue Lang
Raghav Handa
Rebecca Jensen
Rikki Mason
Sacha Copland
Samantha Hines
Sharon Vazana
Thomas Bradley
Tony Osborne
Tra Mi Dinh
Tristan Carter
Victor Zarallo
Viola Iida
Zee Zunnur
Zoe Dunwoodie
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.
Australasian Dance Collective (Brisbane)
Australian Dance Theatre (Adelaide)
Bangarra Dance Theatre (Sydney)
Catapult Dance (Newcastle)
Chunky Move (Melbourne)
Cirque du Soleil (Montreal, Canada)
Crystal Pite/Kidd Pivot performances with Strut Dance (Perth)
Dance North (Townsville)
Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (Germany)
DV8 / Lloyd Newson (England)
Emanuel Gat Dance (Marseille, France)
Force Majeure (Sydney)
Form Dance Projects (Western Sydney)
Fresco Dance Company (Tel Aviv, Israel)
GöteborgsOperans Danskompani (Gothenburg, Sweden)
Hamilton (International)
ITDansa (Barcelona, Spain)
Ivan Perez (Heidelberg, Germany)
Legs on the Wall (Sydney)
Meryl Tankard AO (Sydney)
Moulin Rouge (Paris, France)
National Ballet of Marseille (Marseille, France)
New Adventures / Matthew Bourne (London)
Ochre Dance Company (Perth)
Opera Australia (Sydney)
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen (Antwerp, Belgium)
Poetic Disaster Club (Groningen, The Netherlands)
PR-Evolution Dance Company (Budapest, Hungary)
Punchdrunk / Maxine Doyle (International)
Shaun Parker & Company (Sydney)
ShELFISH Productions (The Netherlands)
SOL Dance Company (Israel)
Stephanie Lake Company (Melbourne)
Strut Dance (Perth)
Sydney Dance Company (Sydney)
Sydney Experimental Arts Ensemble (Sydney)
Tasdance (Launceston)
T.H.E Dance Company (Singapore)
The Farm (Queensland)
Theo Clinkard & Company (Brighton, UK)
Wayne McGregor Dance Company (England)
h Photo by Daniel Boud.
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 in-person audition and can select their preferred audition city – Sydney or Brisbane. If you are unable to attend the live audition, contact training@sydneydancecompany.com to request a video-only audition.
Audition dates
Sydney Dance Company
Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road Dawes Point NSW 2000 Sunday 14 September 2025.
Brisbane Location to be confirmed. Sunday 28 September 2025.
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.
Audition Requirements
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to apply and demonstrate competency in classical and contemporary dance technique. It is recommended applicants be competent in written and spoken English, however support and adjustment to learning can be offered.
Eligibility
• An intermediate level of Classical Ballet
• Compelling competency in own genre or style
• Certificate IV level of dance education or equivalent
• Australian or New Zealand citizenship or an appropriate residency visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the program (Sydney Dance Company cannot arrange Student Visas)
Applications Open: 5 May 2025
All applications must be submitted online via our website: www.sydneydancecompany.com/advanced-training/ 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. If you are unable to meet this fee, please contact training@sydneydancecompany.com
Applications Close: 1 September 2025
Video footage is required as part of the audition process and needs to be submitted via the online application form. Applicants need to include three video links in the online application form. Each video should showcase technical strengths, knowledge and a sense of creative interest, and must include classical ballet and contemporary technique with an option of including improvisation. Sydney Dance Company encourages applicants to include videos of cultural dance styles in lieu of other training styles.
Preferred video submission:
• 1x contemporary technique
• 1x classical technique
• 1x own choice of style or improvisation
Ensure:
• The video is clear and watchable
• Suitable rehearsal attire
• The video is of a solo performance and not of a group
• The video can be taken using an iPhone or similar and does not need to be edited to a professional standard
The videos are best viewed via YouTube or Vimeo. Avoid using file sharing links (Dropbox / Google Drive / One Drive) if possible as the settings and restrictions on these platforms can delay viewing.
Privacy 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
We are committed to making the process accessible to everyone.
All information in this prospectus is subject to change without notice.
