The National

Ballet School Melbourne

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Established in 1939 by Australian performing arts pioneer Gertrude Johnson OBE, The National Ballet School (formerly National Theatre Ballet School) is one of Australia’s preeminent dance training institutions devoted to providing exceptional dance training to students of all ages.

Damian Smith - Artistic Director

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Damian Smith, a renowned former Principal Dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, our diverse and highly accomplished teaching faculty delivers a comprehensive dance education based on Vaganova and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) training.

Pre-Professional Dance Training

Cultivating the stars of the future, The National Ballet School offers pathways to a professional career through our Elite Bridging programs that prepare students for full time study. Full time accredited courses in Dance (Elite Performance) include Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications.

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Ballerinas Wearing Teal Tutu Dress

2025 ON STAGE SUMMER SCHOOL

Monday 6 to Saturday 11 January 2025

Take a leap from the studio to the stage in this performance-based week of dance training.

Over six jam-packed days, The National Ballet School’s Artistic Director Damian Smith will guide students through the process of creating a dance performance from concept and choreography to talent and technique.

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THE NASHIES

Whether you’re 3 or 103, Nashies of all ages just love to dance!

Suitable for Dance lovers aged from 3 to 103 looking for connection and personal development through a regular weekly ballet class.

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CORE PLUS

Your professional career in ballet starts here.

This combination of RAD Syllabus, pointe work and essential conditioning is suitable for passionate dancers aged 7 and above who wish to learn ballet technique and develop the skills necessary for a potential career in dance.

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ASPIRE

A vital extension of Core Plus, Aspire is The National Ballet School’s exclusive development program for aspiring young dancers.

Suitable for aspiring dancers aged 7 and above interested in extending their ballet training through new methodologies and styles, while building a strong foundation for a career in dance.

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CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary Dance classes focus on self-expression, awareness of space and body movement, use of body weight, efficiency of muscle use and safe body alignment. 

Suitable for current dance students aged 7 and above wishing to broaden their dance skills beyond classical ballet.

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TRIPLE THREAT

Under the guidance of triple threat performer Jackie Rae Lythgo, tap, jazz and musical theatre classes are a must for any student wishing to complement their ballet and acting training and broaden their professional standard performance skills.

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2024 Term Dates

Term 1: Monday 29 January – Thursday 28 March
Term 2: Monday 15 April – Saturday 29 June
Term 3: Monday 15 July – Saturday 21 September
Term 4: Monday 7 October – Saturday 7 December

Enrolment

Enrolments for Term 3 of 2024 NOW OPEN
Current students can book classes via portal
All Classes must be paid in full and in advance of the beginning of each Term.
Payment Plans are available upon request. Discounts are available for sibling bookings and when booking more than three classes per week.