General Questions
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 Program are expected to have had some form of ballet training.
What syllabus 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 not applicable to the audition.
Do applicants need to specially 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 photos are required for an audition?
During the application process, you will be asked to complete an application form, including uploading two full-length photos in the following poses:
- 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
Please ensure you complete the form (Step 1 under Registration Instructions) prior to making payment.
What happens after the audition?
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer, or full-time candidates may be invited to National Audition Finals week. If a student accepts their Offer, they will be enrolled into the applicable program. Learn more about our Training Program.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive a letter advising 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.
I don’t live in Melbourne/Australia. If I’m contacted for further assessment, will I be expected to travel to Melbourne?
Full-time candidates may be invited to National Audition Finals week, which is held at the School in Melbourne.
How many people 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 programs.
How do I know if it is worth auditioning again?
Application to audition is at the discretion of the parent/carer. There have been a number of cases where applicants have auditioned several times before receiving an offer.
If the applicant is turning 14 years old and not ready to leave home, can they instead be considered for the Intra/Interstate & International Training Program (ITP)?
If an offer for Full-Time is 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.
National Audition Tour
What should applicants wear for an audition class during the National Audition Tour?
Boys should wear a unitard or full-length tights, form-fitting t-shirt/singlet, socks and ballet shoes.
Girls should wear a leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes. Skirts or outerwear should not be worn. Pointe shoes not required.
Applicants should arrive in their usual ballet practice clothes with ‘street clothes and shoes’ over the top. All auditionees are to wear ballet flats. 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?
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?
An audition class runs for approximately 1.5 hours.
There are multiple dates advertised for my chosen audition venue. Can I choose which date to attend?
Requests for specific dates cannot be taken/guaranteed.
Schedules will be created and confirmed with enrolled auditionees approximately two weeks prior to each event date. Classes are allocated by age/gender.
What if I cannot attend my audition class?
If unable your scheduled audition class, e.g. due to illness, injury or other commitment, you can contact the School to request transfer to another audition venue or credit towards a Digital Audition.
Digital Auditions
If I hope to join The Australian Ballet School, by when do I have to submit my digital audition?
The School accepts digital auditions throughout the year, but cannot guarantee that auditions received later than advertised deadlines can be reviewed in time for the next intake (the School year runs from January to December).
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.
My child cannot access a studio/barre before the submission deadline. What do I do? Can we use a chair instead of barre?
Some applicants may be filming at home using a mobile device. 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:
- If possible, ask your dance teacher to help prepare you for, and even film, 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.
What format should my video be in?
Footage must be compiled into one video. The video should be no longer than 30 minutes; most ITP-application videos will be under 10 minutes.
How many of each exercise do I need to film? From which side?
The content is left somewhat open to interpretation so that you can provide the best demonstration of your abilities. We suggest asking your own dance teacher for assistance with preparing and/or filming your audition.