For over ten years, Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year (PPY) has led the way in contemporary dance training, equipping passionate young artists and versatile movers for thriving professional careers. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open.
Based at Sydney Dance Company’s iconic, state-of-the-art studios on Gadigal Land at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, students undertake full-time training with some of the country’s most respected choreographers, educators and industry leaders – delivering one of the most comprehensive contemporary dance education in Australia.
Sydney Dance Company’s PPY students complete a CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in their first year of training which is built upon in second year, offering a CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance).
Working with a range of creative voices, from Sydney Dance Company members to acclaimed international guest collaborators, students are immersed in a rich spectrum of practices and movement philosophies. This exposure, integral to the PPY experience, empowers dancers with a strong sense of personal agency and the artistic versatility, essential for navigating today’s ever-evolving creative landscape.
A dynamic force in contemporary dance, PPY’s global influence shines through its graduates, who continue to leave their mark on the world stage. Alumni have joined prestigious companies, including Wayne McGregor Dance Company, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, National Ballet of Marseille, Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, Göteborg Opera, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Dance Theatre, Stephanie Lake Company, Chunky Move, and Sydney Dance Company’s professional ensemble. Many have also forged unique paths as independent artists, choreographers, and interdisciplinary creators.
At the heart of PPY is a future-focused approach to training. Designed with psychological and physiological considerations integrated into all aspects of the program, PPY cultivates an environment for exploration, risk-taking and artistic self-discovery. Challenging industry norms and exploring creative boundaries, PPY graduates emerge as curious, technically accomplished industry ready artists poised to shape the dynamic landscape of contemporary dance.
Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Training, Linda Gamblin said: “What makes this program extraordinary is not just the training, it’s the thinking, reflecting and risk-taking that happen within it; building artists, not just dancers. Allowing space for the individual to confidently accept and mature their genuine nature in preparation for a professional career.”
Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela said: “With sophisticated technique, authentic movement and a strong sense of the artist within, PPY graduates are brave and generous when working within the contemporary dance industry.”
Philanthropic support continues to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of artists. Through the generosity of donors, Sydney Dance Company provides scholarships for Pre-Professional Year dancers, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to this transformative training program. These scholarships open pathways for emerging artists to pursue opportunities needed to build a future in the arts.
Applications for PPY26 are now open.
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