Good news for aspiring ballet dancers aged 16-19 in Australia and New Zealand! The prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship has announced an extension to its entry deadline for the 2025 competition. This renowned scholarship, with its long history of nurturing exceptional talent, is now offering a second chance for eligible dancers to seize this significant opportunity and vie for invaluable support in their pursuit of a professional ballet career. Don't miss this extended opportunity to showcase your artistry!
The Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship stands as a cornerstone of Australian dance history. Since its inaugural award in 1955 to the celebrated Marilyn Jones, this coveted competition has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing the next generation of ballet professionals. It continues to be one of the most highly regarded events for ballet dancers in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a potent combination of financial support and invaluable professional development opportunities.
The upcoming competition will culminate in a final at the prestigious Sydney Opera House on Sunday, July 20, 2025. However, the journey begins with the initial heats requiring video submissions, with the entry deadline now extended. The competition is open to dancers aged 16 to 19 as of December 31, 2025, who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand.
The scholarship unfolds in several stages. The preliminary heats will be assessed through video submissions, requiring dancers to present a combination of technical exercises and a classical or contemporary solo. Successful applicants will then move on to the Semi-Finals, held over two days (July 12th and 13th) at The Concourse in Chatswood. These rounds will involve the performance of a classical variation and a free variation. Following the Semi-Finals, 18 dancers will be invited to participate in a masterclass on Monday, July 14th, also at The Concourse. This intensive session will be followed by the announcement of the finalists who will proceed to the final stage at the Sydney Opera House.
The discerning eye guiding the initial heats of the 2025 scholarship will be that of Christian Tatchev. Currently the Director of Queensland Ballet Academy, Tatchev brings a wealth of experience as a former Principal Artist with Queensland Ballet and other international companies. His expertise in classical ballet will be invaluable in identifying promising young talent at this stage of the competition.
The Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship provides substantial support to its recipients. The winner will receive a total prize of $18,000, including a $15,000 scholarship and $3,000 cash, alongside other benefits like Bloch gift cards and a professional photoshoot. Notably, the winner and second-place getter will also have the opportunity to attend classes and observe rehearsals with The Australian Ballet and Houston Ballet. Furthermore, the winners will be offered a 4-week intensive at the Houston Ballet Academy. Finalists will also receive cash prizes and opportunities to engage with The Australian Ballet and Queensland Ballet.
Beyond the prizes, the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship offers a crucial opportunity for young dancers to gain valuable performance experience, receive feedback during the heats, and connect with leading figures in the Australian dance industry. The inclusion of Semi-Finals, a Masterclass, and the Final performance provide invaluable insights into the demands and realities of a dance career.
For young dancers looking to take the next step in their ballet journey, the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship presents a significant opportunity, now with an extended entry window. Further details on entry requirements and the competition schedule can be found on the Sydney Eisteddfod website.
Key Dates at a Glance:
- Video Submission Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025 (Extended)
- Semi-Finals: July 12 & 13, 2025
- Masterclass: July 14, 2025
- Final: July 20, 2025
For complete information and to apply, visit Sydney Eisteddfod .