ABS Boarding Program

Our Boarding Program

Marilyn Rowe House

Marilyn Rowe House is a home away from home for students of The Australian Ballet School aged between 13 and 18 who have come from all across Australia and overseas. It is located on a block of 2,025 sqm, hosting a two-storey house with a purposeful single wing attached at the rear. The location is ideal, with both tram and train within minutes. Parklands across the road provide plenty of opportunity for recreation, and several hospitals are close by.

The purpose built boarding facility of the School, was secured by significant philanthropic support and meticulously planned, over many years, to provide a modern boarding program to match the School’s world-class vocational dance training.

Our Boarding House's Namesake

Marilyn Rowe AM OBE

Marilyn Rowe House is named after the School’s former Director, Marilyn Rowe AM OBE.

Marilyn was one of the first students accepted into The Australian Ballet School’s initial two year course, the first Prima Ballerina produced by the School and the first graduate to become its Director (1999-2014).

Our Mission

The Boarding Program reflects the vision, culture, and character of the School; being informed by the School’s extensive history, energised by creativity, artistic expression and passion. Unique programs and exciting approaches to pastoral and residential care devoted to nurturing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — will foster distinctive signature experiences that support the growth of young dancers into mature, professional performers. The experience of an enriched environment with opportunities for self-discovery, leadership and success, affords students every chance of emerging as individuals capable of making valuable contributions to society.

Life at The Boarding House

Scarlett's Story

Scarlett relocated from Sydney to pursue full-time training at The Australian Ballet School. Moving interstate at a young age is no small step, but Scarlett has quickly become a valued member of the Marilyn Rowe House community, balancing the rigour of studio training and academic studies with new connections and growing independence.

Life at the Boarding House

This premier facility at any one time is capable of housing up-to 32 students and associated support staff. Led by the Head of Boarding, Marilyn Rowe House, enables students at the School to experience the highest levels of pastoral care, whilst living in a community based on the needs of dancers.

The students within Marilyn Rowe House come from all facets of the School population ranging from Levels 4 to Level 8 students. This broad spectrum, allows the younger students to develop positive role models within Marilyn Rowe House.

Enrolment: acceptance of an offer to the Full-Time Program entitles regional, interstate and international students to enrol at Marilyn Rowe House.

INTERSTATE STUDENTS

Levels 4 - 6 Must be accommodated at Marilyn Rowe House unless accommodated with, and fully supervised by, a parent/legal custodian or a suitable relative as approved by the School

Level 7 Should be accommodated at Marilyn Rowe House (subject to availability)

Level 8 May apply to be accommodated at Marilyn Rowe House (subject to availability)

FULL-TIME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Levels 5 to 8 Must be accommodated at Marilyn Rowe House unless accommodated with, and fully supervised by, a parent/legal custodian (as per the International Student Visa requirements) *

SHORT TERM INTERNATIONAL & INTERSTATE VISITING STUDENTS
Tours and short stay opportunities

While we have previously offered accommodation for visiting and short‑stay students, Marilyn Rowe House is at full capacity for 2026 and cannot accept additional students this year.

World’s Best Practice

Developed in consultation with top Ballet and Academic schools worldwide

Member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA)

Professional Head of Boarding and Boarding Staff

Ongoing Professional Development of staff undertaken with ABSA

Security

24 Hour Supervision

CCTV Security Cameras

ORAH Boarding School System

Includes student tracking and leave management

Support

Academic and Tutor Support

Health and Welfare Support

Nurturing Environment

Organised Group Activities

Facilities

Commercial Kitchen

Student Kitchen

Dining Room

Recreation Lounge

Study Lounge

Quiet Reading Room

Student Laundry for Personal

Clothing

Secure Front and Rear Garden

Accommodation

Male and Female Segregated Sections

Female Only Shared Rooms

Male Only Shared Rooms

Bedding Provided and Professionally Laundered

Food

All meals provided

Self-Serve Breakfast

Lunch in the Dancers Deli at The Australian Ballet Centre

Communal Dinners and snacks prepared by Chef-in-Residence

Separate Student Kitchen provided for student use

2026 Boarding Fees: $25,100

“I am so pleased that The Australian Ballet School is able to provide the duty of care required to house the country’s most promising young dance talent. Families can feel confident that their child will be given 24-hour care when moving to Melbourne from regional Victoria, interstate and overseas. Marilyn Rowe House will provide safe and secure residential accommodation.”

Lisa Pavane, Former Director

“Living with people who share the same goals and passion as me creates a very supportive and encouraging environment. We talk about the same things, have the same routine, share the same interests and are always there to help each other with homework or going over choreography together. What I value most about being at Marilyn Rowe House is having the opportunity to not only be supported by my peers and the staff but also having the chance to support the others around me.”

Level 6 student, NSW

“I lived at home with my mum, dad and little brother in a more regional location, so moving into the city has been really exciting. Marilyn Rowe House is very comfortable, and it’s like living in a home away from home. The food’s great, and the other students and carers are wonderful. It’s like I have a bunch of new big brothers and sisters, which is great because I’m the youngest in the house and they have all made me feel right at home.”

Level 4 student, NSW

“I’m surrounded by like-minded friends, and we already feel like one big family. We laugh, play games, stretch, eat and support each other through everything. I can’t begin to explain how lucky I am, as without this I may have had to return to Brisbane."

Level 5 student, Queensland