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Digital Auditions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • By what date do I have to submit my digital audition application for entry into the 2021 Training Programme?

    2 August 2020, 11.59pm. Auditions received after this time are not guaranteed to be viewed with consideration to our January 2021 intake.

  • I have multiple children auditioning - can I submit one file for all their auditions?

    No. One application per dancer is required, including an application form, 2x photos, a video link and fee payment.

  • What should my child wear in the audition video?

    - Boys should wear a unitard or full-length tights, form-fitting t-shirt/singlet, socks and ballet shoes.


    - Girls should wear a leotard, pink ballet tights and ballet shoes. Skirts or outerwear should not be worn.

  • My child cannot access a studio/barre before the audition deadline - what do I do?

    These are unprecedented times, and we expect most applicants will be filming at home, using their phone, iPad or tablet. Do your best with what you have available (and check our tips below for achieving the best video results).

  • What are your tips for achieving the best video results?

    We recommend considering the following while filming your audition:

    - Film in a clear, well-lit space. We need to see you!

    - Ensure the dancer's full body length is visible.

    - The camera must be positioned at an angle that shows the dancer at their best.

    - The use of a tripod is recommended to ensure a stable image.

    - Check the quality of image and sound prior to submission.

  • How do I create a private video on Vimeo?

    Login or create a free Vimeo account and follow the instructions to upload your video. Set the video to private using the ‘Only people with a password’ setting. Paste the video URL/link and the password into the application form where instructed.

  • How do I create an unlisted video on YouTube?

    Login or create a free YouTube account and follow the instructions to upload your video. Edit the video’s ‘Visibility’ to ‘Unlisted’. Paste the video URL/link into the application form where instructed.

  • I don't live in Melbourne. If I am contacted for further assessment, will I be expected to travel to Melbourne?

    Arrangements will be guided by government advice regarding travel and social distancing at the time, and discussed with your parent/carer directly.

  • What photos are required for an audition?

    - Tendu a la seconde a terre en face with arms in second Example Photo

    - Full length facing side-on profile to the camera with feet in parallel 1st Example Photo

  • How do I know whether to enrol my child for an audition?

    Although this decision is usually at the discretion of the parent/carer, the student will often be the best guide. Sometimes a dance teacher may indicate that the student could benefit from auditioning.

  • What standard or prior experience is expected?

    There is no defined standard. For younger applicants, very little dance experience is expected as the audition class provides the opportunity to demonstrate natural coordination, musicality and physical suitability. Applicants auditioning for the Full-Time Programme are expected to have had some form of ballet training.

  • What Syllaus best prepares applicants for the audition?

    The Australian Ballet School’s curriculum is unique to the School and therefore the syllabus that the applicant is currently studying is irrelevant to the audition.

  • Do applicants need to specifically prepare for the audition?

    Applicants do not need to prepare any routines, solos or any other dance material. They will be given instructions on the day with regards to the class content and physical assessment, and can always ask in class if they require clarification.

  • What should applicants bring to the audition?

    Applicants should arrive in their usual ballet practice clothes with ‘street clothes and shoes’ over the top. All auditionees are to wear ballet flats; girls will not require pointe shoes. As students are required to remove ballet flats, please ensure ribbons are not sewn or taped.

  • What happens during the audition?

    When applicants arrive, a representative from The Australian Ballet School will assist them to register, put on their allocated audition number and show them to the audition studio.


    The audition will consist of a physical assessment and an abbreviated classical class. As there is limited space at the audition venues, parents/carers are not able to wait at the venue during auditions.

  • Will difficult terminology be used in the audition class?

    The class is conducted in such a way that the instructions are simple and the students are able to follow the teacher’s demonstrations. Generally, the terminology does not present a problem for auditionees.

  • How long does an audition take?

    The audition takes approximately 1.5 hours.

  • What happens if the applicant is successful?

    Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer. If the student accepts this Offer, they will be enrolled into the applicable programme.

  • What happens if the applicant is unsuccessful?

    Unsuccessful applicants will receive a letter advising them of their audition outcome. Applicants are most welcome to audition again in the future; results of any previous auditions are not taken into account.


    Please note that the School does not provide feedback or enter into any discussion as a result of an audition.

  • How many applicants are accepted?

    The number of successful applicants varies each year. The Australian Ballet School does not aim to fulfil a quota and thereby accepts only those students who display the required aptitude for the School’s vocational training programmes.

  • How do I know if it is worth auditioning again?

    Application to audition is at the discretion of the parent or guardian. There have been a number of cases where applicants have auditioned several times before receiving an offer.

  • What if the applicant is 13 turning 14 years old and not ready to leave home - can they instead be considered for the ITP?

    If an offer for Full-Time was made, the parent/carer would be welcome to discuss the family circumstances with the School to come to an agreement about the best course of action for the individual student.