Queensland Ballet has announced the next evolution of its artist development programs. From 2027, all professional training programs will be based at the home of Queensland Ballet, the Thomas Dixon Centre, strengthening the link between world-class training and Company life.
This unified model will, once again, see aspiring dancers share the artistic environment with professional dancers while preserving the distinct purpose and integrity of each training program.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Ivan Gil-Ortega, said the alignment reflects international best practice and his own formative training experience.
“This evolution strengthens the bridge between training and Company life. I trained at the John Cranko School next door to Stuttgart Ballet, and that proximity shaped my understanding of professional standards and artistic expectations. By aligning our Academy and Artistic programs at the Thomas Dixon Centre, we are offering dancers that same clarity, while ensuring each stage of their development remains purposeful and earned,” Gil-Ortega said.
Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe said the change responds to changes in elite training endeavour and organisational cohesiveness.
“Elite training organisations around the world are innovating their curricula and moving away from early specialisation in youth talent development. We have also heard our community’s wishes to have options for diverse education pathways.” Weerasinghe said.
“Under one roof, the consolidation of our training activities within our home at the Thomas Dixon Centre, means we can optimise resources, strengthen artistic alignment, and ensure long-term sustainability as we continue to evolve our professional training model ensuring excellence at every level.”
“Leveraging support from our tax-payers, our Academy families, audiences, donors and partners have enabled our Academy to flourish, and we look forward to this next chapter as we continue to create opportunities for the dancers of tomorrow.”
Director of the Academy, Christian Tàtchev said the alignment allows for greater continuity in pedagogy, mentoring and professional preparation.
“The Academy has grown significantly over the past decade, expanding across age groups and training models. Aligning our programs within one artistic home allows students to see where their training leads, without removing the distinctions that are essential to dancer development. Each program remains focused on its purpose,” Tàtchev said.
Queensland Ballet’s commitment to nurturing young dancers spans more than 70 years, beginning in 1953 with Charles Lisner and the Lisner Ballet Academy. This legacy evolved through the establishment of the Lisner Ballet Company (1960) and the formation of Queensland Ballet in 1962. In 2026, over 53% of Queensland Ballet dancers are also Academy graduates, demonstrating the strength of Queensland Ballet’s training pathways.
Key milestones include the collaboration with Queensland Dance School of Excellence (1982–2015), the creation of Queensland Ballet’s own Pre-Professional and Associate programs in the early 2000s and the establishment of the Queensland Ballet Academy in 2016.
In 2019, the Academy achieved partner school status with the Prix de Lausanne, and celebrated international success, including laureates at the Prix de Lausanne in 2024. The current alignment builds on this strong foundation and proud history.
The dancer training curriculum seamlessly extends from the Academy programs into the Jette Parker Young Artists Program which is the apprenticeship level of the main dancer ensemble. Now in its 12th year, the impact and support from Jette Parker of Oak Foundation is visible right across Queensland Ballet. Since 2014, over 114 Jette Parker Young Artists have graduated into their next opportunity.
Further information will be released throughout 2026 as transition planning progresses.
Visit academy.queenslandballet.com.au for the latest Academy news.
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