Queensland Ballet Academy launches today

The ballet stars of tomorrow who have found it hard to juggle dance commitments with their education have been thrown an $18 million lifeline, with a new precinct that balances the best of both worlds.

DANCING while still at school is now a whole lot easier for out ballet stars of tomorrow.

The $17.7 million Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove will be launched today by Education Minister Grace Grace, along with Queensland Ballet’s patron, Governor Paul de Jersey.

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The opening means a new generation of dancers can now seamlessly attend ballet and school classes in the same precinct.

Previously they have had to shunt back and forth between the Queensland Ballet’s West End premises and Kevin Grove State College.

Ms Grace said the opening was “a historic day for the arts in Brisbane and Queensland”.

“We know how much this amazing centre means to our state school students who have their eye on a professional career in ballet,” Ms Grace said. “The building features six large dance studios, two multi purpose rooms, a gym, physio room and staffrooms. In 2020 it will be able to accommodate up to 180 students.”

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin said the academy is “the best facility in Australia” for young ballet dancers.

An artist’s impression of the Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove

“It really is world-class and the State Government is to be congratulated for their vision,” he said.

“We are over the moon.

“We have students mainly from Queensland but we aim to attract more from around the country and overseas.”

Queensland Ballet hosted a 24-hour Giving Day late last year to raise $2 million for the building’s fit-out and managed $2.17 million.

Kelvin Grove State College executive principal Llew Paulger said that from next year the academy would extend its training program to students in Years 7 to 12.

It is currently available to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

“The opportunity of being on-site will maximise their ability to be successful in their academic field as well as ballet,” Mr Paulger said.

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin and Kelvin Grove State College executive principal Llew Paulger with student dancers Joseph Moss, 16, and Tristen Nguyen, 16

For young dancers like Joseph Moss, 16 and Tristen Nguyen, 16, it’s a boon.

Nguyen came from Sydney to join Queensland Ballet Academy last year.

“I love it,” she said.

“It’s amazing to have such an elite dance program and to be able to have a normal education at the same time. It’s very important.”

Queensland Ballet Academy is a world-class ballet training organisation which offers a comprehensive industry-aligned, professional career pathway producing young dancers whose talents and abilities are in demand throughout Australia and internationally.

Training is on offer to students from ten years of age through to a pre-professional level.