Level 4 is currently the first year of full-time training. It is offered alongside academic year 8 or 9 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). Students in Level 4 are expected to achieve well in their academic studies as well as consolidate and expand their technical and artistic dance skills.

Entry into The Australian Ballet School Training Program is by audition only. 

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Foundation for Gymnasium Training (male)

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Performance Studies

- Body Conditioning

- Injury Prevention

- Anatomy

- Performance Psychology

- Nutrition

- Introduction to Dance History

- Introduction to Music

- VCASS Academic Program

Levels 5 & 6 comprise the Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113). This is a national qualification studied in conjunction with year 10 and year 11 academic studies, including allied subjects such as Music, Performance Psychology, Nutrition and Cultural Studies.

The course generally occupies two years' full-time study.

The Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113) is designed to provide participants with the technical skills, artistry, theoretical knowledge and appropriate attitudes that will lead towards the establishment of a career in the entertainment industry as a dancer or performer in a range of fields, including ballet, musical theatre, contemporary dance, television, advertising, acting, physical theatre or circus arts.

Graduates of the Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113) would also have a good basis for undertaking further training as dance teachers. As the national training institution for the dance profession, The Australian Ballet School has a close liaison with the industry through the major performing companies around Australia and internationally.

Graduates continue to be employed by these companies and the course is continually responsive to the needs of the industry.

Entry into The Australian Ballet School Training Program is by audition only. All applicants for the Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113) are expected to have completed a minimum education standard of Year 9 secondary schooling or equivalent. Students are selected on the basis of their suitability for vocational classical ballet training. 

Due to the nature of the dance industry and the employment opportunities available, as well as the intense physical nature of dance training, vocational training must be undertaken during a certain age range.  Consequently an applicant’s age will be taken into consideration. Generally, successful applicants will be between 15 and 17 years of age.

The following units are available through http://training.gov.au 

Core units of competency

CUADAN501 Refine ballet technique
CUADAN502 Refine ballet performance skills 
CUADAN505 Refine contemporary dance technique
CUADAN507 Refine dance partnering technique
CUAPRF501 Refine performance techniques
CUAPRF503 Prepare for performances in a competitive environment
CUAWHS403 Incorporate anatomy and nutrition principles into skill development 
CUAWHS501 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance 
CUAPRP502 Develop own sustainable professional practice

Elective units (all units must be completed)

CUACHR501 Create and perform complex dance pieces 
CUADAN503 Perform repertoire for corps de ballet 
CUADAN504 Perform ballet solo variations
CUADAN506 Refine cultural dance technique
CUAMUP501 Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles
CUADLT402 Explore the relationship between music and dance 
CUACHR403 Develop choreography skills

Electives - Gender Specific

CUADAN509 Refine pointe work techniques (F) 
CUAWHS402 Participate in gym and weight training for performances (M)

Please view our 2021 Fee Schedule

Please view our 2022 Fee Schedule

Visit VET Student Loans for more information.

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Gymnasium Training (male students)

- Pas De Deux

- Repertoire

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Body Conditioning

- Anatomy

- Cultural Studies

- Music

- Theatrical Make-up

- Performance Psychology

- Nutrition

- Dance Perspectives

- Drama

- VCASS Academic Program

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Pas de Deux

- Variations

- Repertoire

- Contemporary Dance

- Character Dance

- Mime

- Gymnasium Training (male students)

- Limber/Body Conditioning

- Cultural Studies

- Theatrical Make-up

- Performance Psychology & VCE Psychology

- Nutrition

- Anatomy

- VCE Music

- VCE Drama

- VCE Dance

- VCE English

- Jazz (extra curricular class)

Students in Level 7 enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113), a national qualification combining comprehensive dance training with a strong onsite academic program. The course focuses on technical training and artistic development, preparing students for the dance profession. Students also complete their secondary schooling, gaining the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

The Australian Ballet School Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113) was originally accredited in 1994 and is based on the training program developed by the School since its inception in 1964. The Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113) is designed to provide participants with the technical skills, artistry, theoretical knowledge and appropriate attitudes that will lead towards the establishment of a career as a classical ballet dancer. As the national training institution for the dance profession, The Australian Ballet School has a close liaison with the industry through the major performing companies around Australia and internationally. Graduates continue to be employed by these companies and the course is continually responsive to the needs of the industry.

Entry into The Australian Ballet School is by audition only. Entry to the Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113) is generally through completion of the Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113), plus demonstration of the facility for dance (including coordination, musicality, artistry and appropriate temperament) that is required for professional performance in the field of classical ballet. However, the successful awarding of the Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA50113) does not guarantee rite of passage into the Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) (CUA60113) and generally successful applicants will have demonstrated these characteristics and a level of dance ability that is considered appropriate by the Director for entry into Level 7 of The Australian Ballet School’s eight-level training program.

Due to the nature of the dance industry and the employment opportunities available, as well as the intense physical nature of dance training, vocational training must be undertaken during a certain age range.  Consequently an applicant’s age will be taken into consideration. Generally, successful applicants will be between 17 and 19 years of age.

The following units are available through http://training.gov.au

Core units of competency

CUADAN601 Perform dance repertoire at a professional level
CUADAN603 Extend ballet technique to a professional level
CUADAN604 Extend ballet performance skills to a professional level
CUADAN607 Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional level
CUADAN608 Extend contemporary dance performance skills to a professional level
CUAWHS602 Develop techniques for maintaining resilience in a competitive environment
CUAPRP502 Develop own sustainable professional practice

Elective units (all units must be completed)

CUADAN602 Perform advanced classical ballet technique
CUADAN605 Perform pas de deux at a professional level
CUADAN610 Extend allied contemporary dance techniques at a professional level
CUADAN508 Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance technique
CUACHR501 Create and perform complex dance pieces
CUADAN609 Extend cultural dance performance skills to a professional level
CUAIND601 Work professionally in the creative arts industry
CUAMUP501 Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles
CUAWHS501 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
CUAPRF503 Prepare for performances in a competitive environment

Electives - Gender Specific

CUADAN606 Extend pointe work techniques to a professional level (F)
CUAWHS601 Apply advanced gym and weight training to ballet (M)

Please view our 2022 Fee Schedule

Visit VET Student Loans for more information

- Classical Ballet

- Pointe Studies (female students)

- Pas de Deux

- Variations

- Repertoire

- Contemporary Dance

- Spanish Dance

- Mime

- Gymnasium Training (male students)

- Limber/Body Conditioning

- Cultural Studies

- Theatrical Make-up

- Performance Psychology & VCE Psychology

- Nutrition

- VCE Music

- VCE Drama

- VCE Dance

- VCE English

- Jazz (extra curricular class)