Youth Ballet WA

Address
74 - 76 Goodwood Parade, BURSWOOD WA 6100 and 1 Mabel Street
NORTH PERTH
WA 6006

Phone
08 9201 1812

Youth Ballet WA dancers Amelia Marson and Christian Luck (ex-West Australian Ballet). Photographer: Clinton Bradbury.

Youth Ballet WA Inc (YBWA) is a distinguished pre-professional ballet school dedicated to educating, training, and nurturing young dancers with exceptional talent and drive. Our mission is to provide a world-class dance program that equips students to pursue successful professional careers in the field of dance. Founded by Sonya Shepherd with guidance from Terri Charlesworth (OAM, Cit. WA), our school boasts a rich history of cultivating students through the renowned Vaganova method of classical ballet.

Our purpose-built learning facility, in conjunction with our highly skilled faculty, creates an optimal environment for students to flourish academically and artistically. By integrating the Western Australian Education curriculum supported by the SCSA, we offer a balanced educational experience that empowers young dancers to reach their full potential.

At YBWA, we attract passionate and talented individuals who are driven by their love for ballet. We are committed to providing our students with the best possible opportunities to develop their skills and pursue their dreams in the world of dance. Our focus on excellence, combined with our dedication to nurturing each dancer’s unique abilities, sets us apart as a leading institution in ballet education.

Courses

Youth Ballet WA (YBWA) offers a comprehensive classical ballet program for students aged 9 to 18 years old, spanning across 7 levels in the full-time program. With classes running from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, our unique program integrates academic studies facilitated by our qualified onsite teacher. Students have the opportunity to cover all core academic subjects, enabling them to progress through each year level and attain Year 12 WACE qualifications, either through the general or ATAR pathways.

Throughout the year, our students engage in a diverse range of performance opportunities, including solo classical variations, contemporary and Spanish performances, excerpts from classical ballet repertoire, and full-scale classical ballet performances at esteemed venues like the Crown and His Majesty Theatre. These performances serve as invaluable platforms for our students to gain essential on-stage experience, enhancing their technical proficiency and artistic expression.

At YBWA, our overarching goal is to empower students to realise their full potential. In addition to cultivating their ballet skills, we strive to support their growth in confidence, resilience, and self-worth. Through our programs, we aim to nurture positive self-esteem and mental well-being, fostering a holistic development approach that extends beyond the realm of dance training.

Main subjects: Classical ballet (Vaganova method), Pointe studies, Variations and Repertoire, Contemporary dance, Improvisation, Spanish, Pilates, Yoga, Fitness. Theory subjects include; Dance history, Anatomy and biomechanics, health studies/mindfulness, core academic (Maths, English, Science and Hass plus ATAR Dance for year 11 and 12 students.

Primary and high school academic studies are provided through SIDE (School of Isolated and Distance Education), with qualified teachers on site to assist at the YBWA premises. Students graduate with a West Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) with many students completing ATAR and gaining the option of university eligibility.

Practical dance classes per week: This is a 5-day per week course. Each day begins with ether Pilates, Yoga or Classical floor barre. This is then followed by a Classical Ballet class, pointe work and variations with classical repertoire, Contemporary and Spanish technique and repertoire are offered on alternate days.

Contact hours per day: 8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday - Friday

Main teachers: Terri Charlesworth (OAM, Cit. WA), Sonya Shepherd (Adv Dip Dance), Tatiana Pevneva (former soloist of the St Petersburg Theatre and Ballet), Christain Luck (former soloist with West Australian Ballet), Liam Blair (former principal dancer of Aalto Ballett), Ivan Tarakanov (former dancer with Mikahilovsky Ballet Theatre, Israel Ballet and Atlanta Ballet), Lauren Limmer (BA Dance former dancer with Landestheatre, Coburg), Sharon Dalla Costa (BA, Dip Ed, former dancer Chrissie Parrot and various Sydney Dance Companies), Lynn Martlew (Adv Dip Dance, former dancer with Danza Viva Spanish Dance company ), Seanne Sparrow (BA, Dip Ed), Liz Gordon (BA, Dip Ed).

Audition date: Auditions are held at any time within school terms throughout the year, our application forms can be found on our Website - https://youthballetwa.org.au/pre-professional/, or parents can email our administration.