Course Overview
Course Code: CUA60120
CRICOS Code: 106318H
The Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) is a carefully structured two-year program that allows students to dedicate time to both the academic requirements of the Advanced Diploma level of training and have time to develop their career pathway.
The Advanced Diploma qualification reflects the role of dancers with the necessary technique and talent to work in professional dance companies.
At this level, students will have skills to apply wide-ranging, highly specialised technical, creative, and conceptual skills to express ideas and perspectives.
Advanced Diploma students are encouraged to continue their Vocational Training through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examinations from Advanced Foundation through to Solo Seal.
Students are expected to submit strong applications for selection into Australian and International competitions and will take part in several productions and choreographic workshops throughout the year. They will also receive guidance and support for auditions and career planning.
Students are able to complete academic studies while undertaking the Advanced Diploma.
Advanced Diploma Course Details 2025
Course Overview
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. They 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.
Course Details
Units of Study 6 core units plus 7 elective units (Total 13)
Duration 24 months full time
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
ELECTIVE UNITS
CUACHR611 Create choreography for stage and screen
CUADAN613 Extend ballet techniques to a professional level
CUADAN614 Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level
CUADAN616 Extend pointe work techniques to a professional level
CUADAN617 Extend dance techniques to a professional level
CUADAN618 Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
CUADAN621 Perform virtuoso contemporary dance techniques
CUAFIM511 Source funding for projects
CUAMUP511 Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles
CUAPRF511 Refine performance techniques
CUADAN517 Refine dance partnering techniques
CUADAN519 Refine pointe work techniques
Key Dates
| 2025 | The National Ballet School (FT) | Census Dates |
| Term 1 | 28 January to 4 April | TBC |
| Term 2 | 22 April to 4 July | TBC |
| Term 3 | 21 July to 19 September | TBC |
| Term 4 | 6 October to 19 December | TBC |
Entry Requirements
- 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, Contemporary). A Certificate IV qualification is equivalent to a year 12 level of qualification.
- Students must be 15 years or over by the 1st of January the year their studies commence and have completed Year 9 studies.
- Applicants may have to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN) to ensure they receive the right support to achieve this qualification. This course is open to international students. This course is taught in English and International students must meet a minimum level of 6 IELTS or equivalent.
- Students must meet all requirements and pass all units of competency in each
- subsequent year to obtain the qualification.
- Applicants must be at an Advanced Level from a Recognised Classical Ballet Syllabus.
Fees
AU/NZ student $14,700 (inc gst) per annum.
International Students $18,600 (inc gst) per annum