Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance CUA60120 (Elite Performance)

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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 Of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) CUA60120

Acceptance to the course is by audition only. 

2024 Applications are now closed,

If you wish to be considered for the 2025 intake please register your interest and we will keep you up to date with the process.


Step1 Book your audition (see link below)

Step 2 Prepare for and complete your audition. 

Step 3 If you are offered a place following your audition, complete the student enrolment forms and pay the required fees. Schools’ administration will then contact you to manage your enrolment including providing you with the Student information Handbook.


Register your Interest for 2025

Total number of units = 18
4 core units plus
14 elective units from the list

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

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
CUADAN619 Extend cultural dance performance skills to a professional level
CUADAN621 Perform virtuoso contemporary dance techniques
CUADTM431 Design and conduct dance learning program
CUAFIM511 Source funding for projects
CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance 
CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments  
CUADAN519 Refine pointe work techniques  
CUACHR511 Create and perform complex dance pieces
CUADAN518 Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques

24 months full time (approx 30-35hrs a week)

The National Ballet School (FT) Census Dates
Term 1 29 Jan to 28 Mar 13 Feb
Term 2 15 Apr to 28 Jun 29 Apr
Term 3 15 Jul to 20 Sep 29 Jul
Term 4 7 Oct to 6 Dec 21 Oct
  • Students must be 16 years or over by the 1st of January the year their studies commence. Due to the academic requirements of the course, students must have completed Year 10 High School or equivalent.
  • 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 5.5 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.

AU/NZ student fees Tuition fees $13,303.50 (inc gst) per annum.

International Students Tuition fees $17,892 per annum

For further information on fees, charges, VET loans and finance visit our Fees and Charges page

Register your interest below and we’ll keep you up to date with course information, audition dates and applications processes.

Register your Interest for 2025