Australian International Ballet Academy

The McDonald College is delighted to announce the establishment of the Australian International Ballet Academy (AIBA), a Pre-Professional training programme taking young talented ballet dancers a step closer to realising their dreams. AIBA opened in Sydney in February 2009 providing an exciting opportunity for Advanced ballet students to train with some of Australia’s most renowned teachers.

In consultation with internationally acclaimed schools in Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom, this Pre-Professional training programme is a natural extension of the existing Classical Ballet programme offered to students in Years 7 –8 and the AIBA pre-entry course offered to Years 9 and 10 at The McDonald College. As the college is now celebrating its silver jubilee year, we feel it is important to remain faithful to our original philosophy to create and nurture an environment of rigour, creativity and artistry where classical ballet dancers will flourish and be encouraged to attain their personal aspirations as performers and human beings. Training will be linked to the Premier State Ballet allowing students to gain semi-professional experience at all levels. Students can study in a balanced environment together with support services offered at the College such as: Pilates, physiotherapy, counseling, library, holistic social interaction and advice.

AIBA student intake in Years 11, 12 & Fulltime Classical Ballet Course will be determined through a highly selective process and will be restricted to high achieving classical ballet dancers who have already gained an Advanced level of classical ballet training. The students will be offered a comprehensive training to Professional level in Classical Ballet, Specialised Classical coaching, Repertoire, Pointe, Specialised male training, Contemporary, Character, Conditioning, Pas de Deux, Music Appreciation, Performance Psychology, Practical Anatomy, Career advice and performance opportunities.

Entry into AIBA will be by audition only with limited places available annually.

Sydney has long awaited courses of this calibre encouraging classical ballet dancers to pursue their dreams and equip them for a career in the world of dance. The McDonald College is excited to be able to offer dancers opportunities to study various courses.