In Australia, there are many private studios and Registered Training Organizations(RTOs), which we have chosen to refer to as dance schools in Australia in this article, that offer nationally recognized qualifications for dance professionals, from Certificates and Diploma to Bachelor, Honours and postgraduate degrees, including PhDs.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the top dance schools in Australia and some websites where you will see the current dance education and training courses.
Why Study In Australia?
Australia is one of the most welcoming and diverse countries with almost half of the population either born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas.
There are over 260 languages being spoken in homes across Australia, making it a diverse society that is interesting to live in.
Australia has a strong and consistent reputation when it comes to education across the world.
They have one of the highest percentages when it comes to higher education qualified population.
Australia has also continued to record high literacy and education rates.
Their education system is world-class and above all, they offer high-quality education for fair tuition fees. Read on to see some of the top dance schools in Australia.
For current dance education and training courses
| For the national directory of vocational education and training (VET) organisations and courses | Visit My Skills website |
| For Full-time Studies guide | Visit Dance Australia website |
| For full-time dance & auditions guide | Visit DanceInforma website |
Dance Degrees in Australia
Studying dance is Australia is for those who wish to develop their practical and theoretical skills in dance.
Getting a degree in dance will provide you with nurturing environment where you can achieve this.
Dance degrees help you advance in your specific dance skills but also in confidence and knowledge of the creative arts sector.
That dance degree will prepare you for a range of careers, from dancing professionally to teaching dance classes in schools and privately.
Coursework
For those going for undergraduate degrees in the dance schools in Australia, you should expect to gain a foundation of knowledge in the subject area.
An undergraduate degree in dance will give you the opportunity to develop your artistry while creating a unique and personal dance portfolio.
The coursework for an undergraduate degree might include modules on dance forms, dance techniques, dance teaching and community dance teaching.
Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as dance studio sessions and technique classes.
You will also be able to develop your practice of a range of dances, and how they are used in different performing arts.
The List of Top Dance Schools in Australia
- Adelaide College of the Arts—Dance
- Australian Academy of Dance
- The Australian Ballet School
- Australian College of Physical Education
- Deakin University
- Macquarie University
- NAISDA College
- Queensland University of Technology—Creative Industries
- Victorian College of the Arts—School of Dance
- Western Australia Academy of Performing @ ECU
- Australian Performing Arts College (APAC)
Adelaide College of the Arts—Dance
At TAFE SA you can study acting and dance, as well as a range of behind the scenes roles.
Whether you like to tread the boards, or prefer a supporting role, these courses develop your personal strengths and provide you with professional skills to meet the demand of the rich and rewarding arts and cultural sector.
Admission to acting and dance requires strict talent-based selection through audition.
TAFE SA’s Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) is a degree in elite dance performance.
Delivered in partnership with Flinders University, the course combines performance with the theoretical study of classical and contemporary dance.
You’ll develop skills in realistic dance techniques, devised movement practices, dance project realisation, choreography and stage performance. See program details.
The Australian Ballet School
Over 57 years, The Australian Ballet School is one of the dance schools in Australia that has transformed hundreds of aspiring dancers and produced professional artists of the highest calibre.
The School has a long relationship with The Australian Ballet but has always been independent with its own legal status, staff, finances and Board.
The School’s annual income comes from the federal government (33%), tuition fees (33%), philanthropy, corporate support and box office (33%). The Australian Ballet School is a registered charity.
Their students come from across Australia and neighbouring countries; young artists and athletes in training with exceptional talent and a commitment to dance.
Entry to their full-time and after-school programs is by audition. Currently, more than 100 students train at The Australian Ballet School full-time.
The Australian Ballet School is also one of the dance schools in Australia that delivers community classes, early learning programs, school holiday intensives for all abilities, and masterclasses nationally for hundreds of children each year. Visit their Website.
Australian Academy of Dance
Academy of Dance is one of Melbourne’s largest premier dance schools, providing children with
exceptional dance and performing arts technique in an inspiring and nurturing environment.
Offering over 120 classes a week, all styles and abilities are catered for. Students are trained by some of Australia’s
most recognised performers in a world-class facility with four studios, onsite physio and black box theatre. See the program details.
Australian College of Physical Education
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree suited to individuals who are passionate about dance and who want to make it their career.
With a combination of theory and practical knowledge, you’ll learn how to perform at your very best.
Their Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry.
The course covers the broad range of learning essential to the profession: artistry including choreography and performance, educational and organisational skills for studio-based teaching including safe dance practice, the values and ethics of community arts practice and dance within a health context, professional skills of project management, running a small business, and technical production.
Duration: 3 years full time or part-time equivalent.
Australian College of Physical Education is one of the dance schools in Australia where you are set on the path to success by preparing you for the working world and making the connections that could ignite your career.
Their close ties with the industry will give you an advantage when it comes to enriching your degree and being a distinctive applicant when you apply for jobs. Apply Now.
Deakin University
In the Dance program at Deakin University, you will discover how the art of contemporary dance intersects with creativity, innovative thinking, community enrichment and technology.
In the studio setting, core studies in technique, choreography, history and theory are complemented by work with digital technologies and other creative arts disciplines.
You will interact and share your work with colleagues working across other creative arts disciplines and have the chance to work on individual and group public performances and choreographic projects.
Plus, Among other dance schools in Australia, Deakin University is a school that gives you exposure to international dance techniques by taking an overseas study tour or internship. See the Program details.
Macquarie University
Studying theatre, dance, performance and music – whether a novice or an experienced artist – is ideal for those wishing to be creative practitioners in contemporary performance, or those seeking career opportunities in the performing arts and entertainment industry.
The Performing Arts and Entertainment Industries major offers a unique combination of creative, practice-based and professional approaches to the study of the performing arts, entertainment and creative industries.
It involves theoretical and practice-based study across a wide suite of performing arts and entertainment industries, including theatre, dance, performance and music, and related disciplines such as film, television and gaming. Visit their website.
NAISDA College
NAISDA offers professional expertise and word class training facilities to deliver accredited training programs that are rich in cultural learning and practice.
Located on Darkinjung land just north of Sydney, they provide a creative learning space designed to inspire and equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people for the future.
Their dance performance program is delivered by qualified trainers comprised of former principal dancers, respected choreographers and cultural tutors from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Visit their website.
Queensland University of Technology—Creative Industries
Through this three-year degree, you’ll build on your passion for dance while futureproofing your career by diversifying your interests to open up a wide range of career opportunities.
If your passion is for creating dance or following a love for choreography or production then combining your studies with areas such as screen studies, drama, music or entertainment will expand your skillset and versatility.
If you want to become a creative producer, company manager, arts manager or even dance journalist this course is for you.
It will allow you to ground your passion for dance while also nurturing these other interests and futureproofing your career in a changing world.
If you’re interested in teaching dance this degree will allow you to share your passion with others by laying the foundation for a teaching career.
You’ll learn the core techniques of genres and dance styles including contemporary dance, hip hop, and ballet, that can be applied to studio teaching, while additional studies can also allow you to teach in schools in Australia and beyond. See the program details.
Victorian College of the Arts—School of Dance
The Victorian College of the Arts is known internationally as a leading tertiary institution for artistic invention.
It has a proven track record of developing the change-makers of the future as evidenced by the achievements of its alumni.
The VCA today is one of the dance schools in Australia that offers a unique range of programs across the visual arts, performing arts and media, taught by staff who are experts in their fields.
With its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, the VCA is a welcoming community of practising artists and writers, choreographers, designers, actors, filmmakers and many more. Visit their website.
Western Australia Academy of Performing @ ECU
For over 30 years, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts has been helping students realise their dreams of successful careers in the performing arts and entertainment industries.
WAAPA’s Dance programs train classical and contemporary dance artists by utilising teaching methods designed to develop and refine the skills of each individual.
The courses offer a breadth that is unique to WAAPA and prepare students for a seamless transition into a wide range of careers within the profession.
WAAPA’s Dance programs are intensive and performance-based, with students averaging 35-40 contact hours per week.
Students also regularly participate in national and international tours, further enhancing their skills and enriching their cultural experience. See the program details.
Australian Performing Arts College (APAC)
Awarded Most Outstanding Performing Arts Studio in the Hills,
your child will thrive while learning ballet, hip hop, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, singing, tap, acrobatics and acting, at our brand new purpose-built performing arts hub in Castle Hill.
Located next to Hills Showground Metro station, whether your child is a first-time dancer or an aspiring performer, APAC offers classes and unique performance opportunities for all students from 3 yrs.
APAC offers a broad and rounded curriculum in dance, singing, acting, music theatre and more. See the program details.
Dance Classes in Australia
If you don’t like the dance schools in Australia listed above but are interested in the dance studios in Australia, here are some of the best dance studios to check out that will serve almost the same purpose as the dance schools in Australia.
Dynamite Studios: Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Jazz, Afternoon School, Baby Acrobatics, Circus Arts, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, RAD Classical Ballet, Ready Set Ballet, Ready Set Dance, Other Classes & Courses, Workshops.https://dsa.com.au/.
Project Beats: Hip Hop Dance, Breaking, Popping Dance, Locking Dance, House Dance. https://projectbeats.com.au/.
Pivot Studio: Kids Dance Classes, Teens Dance Classes, Studio Hire, Performance Group. http://pivotstudio.net/.
Flava Dance Studios: Timetable, Workshops, Classes, Crews. https://flavadancestudios.com.au/.
Dance World Studio: Full Dance Courses, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary.http://www.danceworldstudios.com/.
Promenade Dance Studio: Ballet Development Program, Elite Ballet Transitional Programs, Dance Excellence Program, Pre-Professional Program, Adult Dance Classes. https://promenadedance.com.au/.
Èlan Dance Est.: Afrojam, Dance Essentials, Twerk Class, Dancehall, Heels On, Hip Hop, Toddler Hip Hop, Kids Hip Hop, Teen Hip Hop. https://www.elandance.com.au/.
Dance Central: Hip Hop, Funk, Cuban Salsa, Bollywood, Jamaican Dancehall, Belly Dance, BreakDance, Reggaeton, Burlesque, Brazilian Samba, Afro-Fusion, Tahitian Dance, Pantsula, Hulahoop and more. http://www.dancecentral.com.au/.
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