Since 2020, Queensland Ballet Academy has seen a 36% decline in male enrolments, a downward trend that Christian Tàtchev, Director of Queensland Ballet Academy, observes is evident across the professional training industry globally. In response the company has established The Boys in Ballet Committee to identify the roadblocks and take action to address the issue.
As the first initiative of The Ballet Boys Project, since mid-July 2024 Queensland Ballet has been offering free weekly classes to boys aged 11 – 14, at the homes of Queensland Ballet (West End) and Queensland Ballet Academy (Kelvin Grove). The response so far has been encouraging with boys travelling from as far away as Coffs Harbour, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and Yeppoon in order to take part.
The same model of weekly classes will be offered in 2025, possibly with a separation or addition of age groups as QB/QBA continue working with their audience to refine the offering.
Students receving feedback from teacher Christian Tatchev. Photo by Angharad Gladding.
Queensland Ballet Academy Director Christian Tàtchev has been teaching most of the Ballet Boys Project classes so far. Speaking about the program he said,
“The engagement we’ve seen with The Ballet Boys Project has been very encouraging, but perhaps what has been most rewarding is seeing the strong connections and genuine sense of community and support the boys have developed.
Regardless of whether or not these boys pursue dancing as a career, they will one day be fathers, brothers, husbands and men in the community and they will be men who have danced. They will be the ones removing the stigma, encouraging others to dance and continuing our work for us. It is very special to see them connect with the program.”
But perhaps the best feedback comes from the students themselves, who offered the following comments on their personal experience participating in these weekly boys-only classes which focus on male-specific ballet technique.
Boys in Ballet class participants. Photo by Angharad Gladding.
“What makes the Ballet Boys Project so special is that it’s built for guys like me. I don’t have to fit into something that wasn’t made for us. It’s different, and that’s the best part. We get to show our strength and still be graceful, and it feels like we finally have our own space in ballet.
Being part of the Ballet Boys Project has been such a game-changer. It’s the first time I’ve been in a class made just for boys, where our differences aren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated. It feels like it’s made for us, like we finally have a place in ballet where we can be ourselves” - Evan Yong
"The ballet boys project for me has been a great experience as I have never had a male teacher in class before. I'm also enjoying having other boys in the class instead of lots of girls, it's a lot more enjoyable and fun." - Izzy
“The Ballet Boys project has helped me meet new friends in dance. With the few boys dancing these days, meeting other boys who share my love for dance has helped my enjoyment of ballet stay strong. Thanks, Nathanael Zimmermann” –-Nathanael Zimmermann
“I have never attended a class that has made me feel so part of the ballet community as the classes I have experienced with the Ballet Boys Project - Thank you.” - Finn Core-Kotevski (14 years old)
“I have found the Ballet Boys Project experience a great opportunity for me to have a stronger connections with teachers & improve my technique & discipline.“ - Zilli