Professional Performance Opportunity at the Sydney Opera House – July 2025
Australia’s arts scene is about to be revolutionized with the launch of Ballet Collective Australia, a dynamic new initiative that brings together the nation’s most promising ballet dancers and choreographers. With a vision to unite talent from across the country, this project offers an unparalleled platform for collaboration and creativity, culminating in a debut performance at the Sydney Opera House in July 2025.
In partnership with Sydney Eisteddfod, a champion of emerging talent, Ballet Collective Australia is set to redefine how dance is created and celebrated in Australia.
Guided by an elite team of industry mentors—including Vicki Attard, Liam Blair, Jake Burden, Justine Miles, and Leanne Stojmenov —the Collective provides a space for young artists to grow, connect, and thrive.
The debut work will feature choreography by Liam Blair, an award winning, up and coming Australian Choreographer, whose work is celebrated for its depth, originality and challenging choreography. This project will be brought to life under the artistic leadership of Slava Tutukin, Sonya Shepherd and Terri Charlesworth OAM.
“Ballet Collective Australia is about more than just dance—it’s about building a stronger artistic community,” says Slava Tutukin. “We’re creating a space where the next generation can grow into confident, innovative leaders in the arts.”
Ballet Collective Australia is looking for dancers aged 15–20 with strong classical technique who can perform a variety of repertoire, including neo-classical and contemporary works.Ballet Collective Australia is committed to the positive values of diversity, promotes equality, and opposes discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from dancers of all ethnic backgrounds and genders.
To register for the audition, interested dancers must submit an application form via www.balletcollectiveaustralia.com with an attached video of a variation. Applications close on the 24th of January 2025.
Audition invitations will be sent to successful applicants by 29th January 2025.
The audition fee is $80, which must be paid by 4th February 2025 to confirm your place.
All auditionees will receive a 30% discount to MDM Dancewear (online) & a 50% off monthly subscription to The Library Aesthetic for 12 months.
Auditions will include a masterclass with an industry mentor (Justine Miles in Melbourne, Vicki Attard in Sydney; Leanne Stojmenov in Perth). Liam Blair will also conduct a choreographic workshop on all auditions. This is also a valuable chance for dancers to learn new choreography, gain audition experience, and practice world repertoire.
Auditions will be held in Sydney on Friday, 7th February 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Venue TBA); Melbourne on Saturday, 8th February 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Venue TBA); and Perth on Sunday, 9th February, 5:00 – 8:30 PM (Venue TBA).
From the auditions, dancers from each location will be selected to join Ballet Collective Australia. These dancers will attend four 5-hour workshops in their respective cities from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the following dates:
Melbourne and Sydney: Sunday, 25th May, Sunday, 1st June, Sunday, 15th June, and Sunday, 29th June
Perth: Sunday, 27th May, Sunday, 8th June, Sunday, 22nd June, and Sunday, 29th June
All participants will then travel to Sydney for theatre rehearsals and the grand performance. Theatre rehearsals will take place 17th-19th July 2025, culminating with a performance at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, 20th July 2025.
If selected, dancers will participate in workshops, masterclasses, and the final performance for a program fee of $400. This fee covers all workshops, masterclasses, performance opportunities, and costumes.
Dancers from Melbourne and Perth will need to arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses for the Sydney rehearsals and performance. As a not-for-profit initiative, we are actively working to secure financial support to assist dancers who need to travel.
Should you have any questions or require further details, please don’t hesitate to contact Jaimie at jaimie@balletcollectiveaustralia.com.
Ballet Collective Australia, Image credit BCA