Foundation Program

While Queensland Ballet Academy's world-class facilities are based at Kelvin Grove State College, the Foundation Program is open to students from across the Brisbane metropolitan area. Acceptance into the program is through a Foundation Program Selection Experience event, or by invitation. 

• Prior dance or ballet experience is beneficial however not essential
• Children must be no younger than 8 and no older than 11 years and 9 months of age at the first day of the program
• Children may be enrolled at any school within the Brisbane metropolitan area in a minimum academic level of Year 3 and maximum Year 6
• We welcome boys and girls who may have anywhere from a fledgling curiosity to an avid interest in dance
• Children already enjoying dance classes elsewhere may continue those activities alongside the Foundation Program

Registrations are now open for our upcoming Selection Experience event on Monday 13 June.

Go to Selection Experience

The Foundation Program operates across the four terms of the Queensland state school calendar year. Delivered after school hours, children may participate in up to 3 or 4 afternoon sessions a week, depending on their enrolment level. 

Each afternoon session includes a ballet class as well as complimentary activities designed to enhance the child's experience and development. These activities are optional and provide flexibility to families' who have varying travel times and routines.

• Classroom activities - may include ballet history sessions, video viewing to provide an early introduction to famous Classical Ballet excerpts or viewing of recorded classes executed by ballet students from QB Academy or other professional ballet training organisations.
• Practical activities - may include body conditioning, stretch or improvisation sessions, or rehearsals to develop the skill of learning choreography.

Activities will be confirmed within the schedule well before the start of each Term.

Weekly schedule^

*Age is only used as a guide when placing students into levels. Ongoing coaching and feedback are used to monitor appropriate student placement and progression.

^Subject to change.

Students are required to wear a set uniform available from Bloch Dancewear. For girls, this includes a leotard, tights and canvas ballet shoes and for boys, a top, shorts, socks and canvas ballet shoes (approx. $120 per student). 

Each semester, parents/carers and studio teachers will have an opportunity to observe Foundation Program ballet classes. Students who have participated in the optional additional sessions, may also have simple repertoire (dance material) which could be demonstrated at this time. Dates for these viewing opportunities will be advised at the beginning of each term.

Queensland Ballet is committed to forging collaborative relationships with the teachers and dance organisations of our local and global dance community. We respectfully acknowledge the teachers and studios from which Queensland Ballet Academy students originate. A list can be found on our Academy Supporters page, along with information about all our industry partners and supporters.

Foundation Program students may continue participating in external dance and/or other physical activities, however parents/carers are encouraged give careful consideration to not overloading their child. Suitable load will vary for each individual and professional guidance may be sought from a physiotherapist or sports physician.