Total number of units = 18
4 core units plus
14 elective units from the list
Course Overview
Course Code: CUA60120
CRICOS Code: 106318H
The two-year Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance is an intensive training program designed for students who have already completed a foundational diploma in dance and wish to elevate their skills to a professional level.
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.
Competition Opportunities
Advanced Diploma students are expected to submit a strong application for selection into Australian and International Competition in both years of their study. Competitions on offer include Prix de Lausanne, Youth American Grand Prix, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, Kathleen Gorham Memorial Award, Ballet Teachers Workshop, Alannah Haines Australasian Awards, City of Sydney Eisteddfod just to name a few.
Performance Opportunities
There are three performance opportunities per year with productions directed by Damian Smith and performed on The National Theatre’s heritage stage.
All students work with our professional stage crew understanding the roles and options used to create production and scenes and the extensive OHS requirements for stage productions.
Choreographic Program
Advanced Diploma students can express and explore their own creativity in creating performance work with their fellow dancers. This program is entirely driven by the students giving them a safe and secure platform to explore their imagination and challenge their choreographic ability. They collaborate to create work to present to the artistic director and a selection of work is chosen to be on our program for live audience viewing. This process allows Advanced Diploma students to learn about the concepts of designing, casting, creating and structuring of contemporary or neo classical works. Members of their group take on the challenges of marketing, costume design, lighting and production. Advanced Diploma students are expected to ensure they have experienced a range of roles within the creative process to discover their personal strengths in this Choreographic Program.
Advanced Diploma Of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) CUA60120
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 | Mon 30 Jan- Thu 6 Apr | 12-Feb |
| Term 2 | Mon 24 Apr to Sat 24 Jun | 06-May |
| Term 3 | Mon 10 Jul to Sat 15 Sep | 23-Jul |
| Term 4 | Mon 2 Oct to Sat 9 Dec | 16-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.
Acceptance to the course is by audition only.
Auditions for 2024 intake open July 2023.
Step1 Register for your audition. (from July 2023)
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 below and we’ll keep you up to date with course information, audition dates and applications processes.
Register your interestAU/NZ student fees Tuition fees $13,303.50 (inc gst) per annum.
International Students Tuition fees $16,879 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