The Process

Ballet Collective Australia (BCA) is a national initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing Australia’s brightest young dance talent. The journey begins with auditions held in major cities across the country, where dancers will participate in masterclasses and learn repertoire from esteemed choreographers. From these auditions, selected dancers will engage in a series of intensive workshops and rehearsals in their home towns, guided by world-class mentors. The process culminates in an unforgettable performance week at the iconic Sydney Opera House, where dancers will showcase their artistry on a world-class stage as part of this groundbreaking initiative.

The Auditions

The audition process for Ballet Collective Australia (BCA) is designed to provide young dancers with an invaluable experience while identifying the most promising talent from across the country. Dancers aged 15–20 with strong classical technique are invited to audition. Applicants should demonstrate versatility and the ability to perform a variety of repertoire, including neo-classical and contemporary works.

At Ballet Collective Australia, we are committed to the positive values of diversity, promoting equality, and opposing discrimination. We actively encourage applications to audition from dancers of all ethnic backgrounds and genders to ensure an inclusive and enriching environment for everyone involved.

Interested dancers will need to complete an Application to Audition form which will include uploading a video of a variation.

Applications to audition close on the 29/01/2025.

Successful applicants will be notified by the 30th of January and invited to audition in their chosen city (Melbourne/Sydney/Perth).

Audition Details

Sydney
- Date: Friday, 7th February 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Venue: [TBA]
Melbourne
- Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Venue: [TBA]
Perth
- Date: Sunday, 9th February 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Venue: [TBA]
Cost: $80 (to be paid by 4th February 2025 to confirm your place)

All auditionees are lucky enough to be supported by MDM Dancewear and will receive:

A 30% discount offer, valid for one use per customer, expires Dec 31, 2025.
50% off The Library Aesthetic dance media will supply 50% Discount cards on a monthly subscription, valid for 12 months.

What to Expect at the Audition

A masterclass led by renowned industry mentors, including Justine Miles (Melbourne), Vicki Attard (Sydney), and Leanne Stojmenov (Perth).
Repertoire learning sessions featuring choreography by Liam Blair, BCA’s choreographer, and repertoire from Slava Tutukin of Ballet Dortmund.
An enriching experience that includes valuable feedback and insight into professional-level audition practices.

Workshops & Rehearsals

Following the auditions, selected dancers from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth will take part in an intensive series of workshops and rehearsals, focusing on the preparation and refinement of choreography created by Liam Blair for the final performance. These workshops are a key step in bringing Ballet Collective Australia’s vision to life, culminating in an extraordinary production in collaboration with Sydney Eisteddfod at the Sydney Opera House.

Our successful dancers are lucky enough to be supported by MDM Dancewear and will receive:

A Ballet Collective Australia x MDM T-Shirt
A 30% discount offer, valid for one use per customer, expires Dec 31, 2025.
50% off The Library Aesthetic dance media will supply 50% Discount cards on a monthly subscription, valid for 12 months.

Costs for Successful Applicants

If selected to join Ballet Collective Australia, participants will be required to pay a program fee of $400 which covers:

All workshops and rehearsals in their home city
Masterclasses led by esteemed industry professionals
Choreography and repertoire rehearsals under Liam Blair and Slava Tutukin
Costumes for the Sydney Opera House performance

What to Expect

Each dancer will participate in four 5-hour workshops in their home city. These sessions are designed as both rehearsals for Liam Blair’s original pieces and an opportunity to elevate the dancers’ technique and artistry. The focus will include:

Repertoire Rehearsal: Dancers will learn, refine, and rehearse the choreography of Liam Blair, crafted specifically for this performance. The pieces will challenge dancers to blend classical, neo-classical, and contemporary styles.
Collaborative Ensemble Work: Rehearsals will emphasise the importance of teamwork, as the dancers prepare to perform together on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Artistic Interpretation: Coaching will help dancers explore the expressive and emotional depth required to bring Liam Blair’s choreography to life.
Performance Preparation: Focus on polishing the details and achieving the level of professionalism required for a world-class performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Workshop Schedule

Workshops will take place in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth on the following dates:

Melbourne & Sydney:
- Sunday, 25th May 2025
- Sunday, 1st June 2025
- Sunday, 15th June 2025
- Sunday, 29th June 2025
Perth:
- Sunday, 27th May 2025
- Sunday, 8th June 2025
- Sunday, 22nd June 2025
- Sunday, 29th June 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Preparing for Sydney

These workshops are not just rehearsals—they are an integral part of the creative process for Ballet Collective Australia’s debut performance. Under the guidance of Liam Blair and world-class mentors, dancers will experience the demands and rewards of preparing for a professional production.

This collaborative effort will culminate in a week of theatre rehearsals and the grand performance at the Sydney Opera House in July 2025. By participating in these workshops, dancers will not only refine their skills but also contribute to an extraordinary artistic endeavour that celebrates the future of Australian ballet on one of the most iconic stages in the world.

Sydney Performance

The culmination of Ballet Collective Australia’s journey is an unforgettable week in Sydney, where selected dancers from across the country will come together to rehearse and perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages—the Sydney Opera House. This week represents the final stage of preparation for a production that showcases the incredible talent and artistry of Australia’s next generation of dancers, in collaboration with Sydney Eisteddfod.

Please note: Dancers from Melbourne and Perth will need to arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses for the performance week in Sydney (17th–20th July 2025).

As a not-for-profit organisation, Ballet Collective Australia is committed to ensuring accessibility and is actively seeking financial support to assist dancers with travel costs where possible. We encourage applicants to reach out if they require further information or assistance.

Regular & Theatre Rehearsals (17th–19th July 2025):
- Dancers will immerse themselves in full-day rehearsals, transitioning from studio to stage. These sessions will focus on stage blocking, lighting, and refining the repertoire created by Liam Blair.
- Collaboration is key, as dancers from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth unite to bring the performance to life as an ensemble.
- Mentorship from Liam Blair and industry experts will help dancers achieve the highest level of artistry and professionalism.
Final Preparations and Dress Rehearsal (20th July 2025):
- The day begins with a comprehensive run-through, ensuring every element of the performance is polished and seamless.
- Costuming, stage cues, and final touches will be perfected, allowing dancers to fully embrace the magic of the stage.
The Performance at the Sydney Opera House (20th July 2025):
- Dancers will take the stage in an awe-inspiring production that highlights their versatility and skill across two works.
- This performance is not only a celebration of their hard work but also a testament to the collaboration between Ballet Collective Australia and Sydney Eisteddfod.