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.

Our 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

Boarding is about community. Students live together, share experiences, and create a supportive environment where everyone plays a part. Our team encourages open conversations with students and families to ensure everyone feels supported.

Boarding also teaches life skills that last beyond ballet: living independently, supporting friends, and caring for yourself. The boarding program complements training at the School, providing a strong foundation for success in the studio, classroom, and everyday life.

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

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 international students under 18 years of age must be accommodated at Marilyn Rowe House, unless they are accommodated with, and fully supervised by, a parent or legal custodian (as per 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.

2026 Boarding Fees: $25,100

"We’re proud to provide a nurturing and supportive residence where students joining us from across Australia and the world will feel safe, connected, and cared for.

We know moving to Melbourne is a big step—not only for our young dancers but also for their families—and we deeply appreciate the trust you place in us. Our team is committed to making the transition positive and enriching, so students can focus on their training and growth."

Megan Connelly, Artistic Director & Head of School

"Marilyn Rowe House has been a nurturing place of residence for talented young dancers from across Australia and around the world since 2016; and around half of the School’s students have been part of our boarding program in that time.

Our team works with genuine care and curiosity, always looking for ways to support each boarder and help them thrive with the demands of elite dance training."

Tamara Maddrell, Head of Boarding

“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

"The boarding house staff were so lovely and welcoming! If we need anything, they are happy to help. They made me feel really at home, right from when I stepped through the door."

Level 6 student, New Zealand

When my family and I arrived, going into my room and unpacking was really exciting. I was a bit nervous when I realised “oh, this is it. I'm not going to see my family for a while” but then I clicked with other boarders straight away. We have things in common that we can relate to, all being in the same place and having the same passion for dance.

Level 5 student, NSW