Perth is home to a variety of full-time dance programs that cater to students who want to pursue a career in dance. Here are some of Perth’s full-time dance schools:

The Graduate College of Dance

The Graduate College of Dance established in 1973, is one of Australia’s leading vocational dance schools. The College trains students to excel both nationally and internationally and continues to produce elite dancers for leading dance schools and companies in Australia and around the world. The program covers all aspects of dance, including choreography, performance, and theory. Subjects include Classical Ballet, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Repertoire, Contemporary, Character, Performance Studies, Conditioning, Pilates, Private Coaching, RAD, Perfomance Psychology, Anatomy and Dance History. Students work with world-renowned choreographers and educators, which provides an excellent opportunity to build their skills and experience.

Katharine Mantle Performing Arts Academy

Katharine Mantle is a Perth-based school that provides full-time dance programs for students wishing to pursue a career in classical ballet. Their comprehensive training program includes daily classes in ballet, pointe, repertoire, conditioning, and contemporary dance. The school provides a full-time training program for dancers who are ready to further their dance education toward a professional pathway. This is the highest and most intensive level of training offered.At this stage of the students’ progression they will train 6 days per week, and maintain their academic studies through SIDE (School of Isolated and Distance Education). Full-time students will continue to work with on-site academic tutors. Daily classes include: Conditioning & Fitness, Classical Ballet, Pointe (girls), Male Technique (boys), Repertoire, Contemporary, Pas de Deux, Character, Mime, Jazz, Stretch, Focus & Bridging Technique (adagio, pirouettes, allegro, port de bras) and Rehearsals.

Perth School of Ballet

Perth School of Ballet is another dance school that offers full-time programs for aspiring dancers. Their curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in classical ballet technique. They offer a nine-month intensive program that is suitable for dancers of all levels. The course covers everything from classes in classical ballet, pointe work, and variations to contemporary dance and jazz. Providing a complete, well-developed program with clearly articulated outcomes for each level from Foundation to pre-professional training in Level 8. Emphasis on developing underlying strength and control for the ballet body which is crucial to achieving the technical requirements of dance. The program consists of the following integrated ballet syllabus, contemporary dance program, character dance syllabus, corps de ballet/ensemble training and Pas de Deux.

Dynamic Performing Arts

Dynamic Performing Arts is a Perth-based dance school that offers full-time programs in a range of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, tap, and musical theatre. The school has a team of experienced and qualified teachers who provide students with a solid foundation in dance technique and performance skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in various productions and live performances throughout the year. Designed to develop the individual dancer (13 yrs-18 yrs), the program covers all genres of dance. With Classical Ballet being the foundation of all dance, it is a fundamental part of the program, but within in the program classes are offered in commercial jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, body anatomy, yoga, singing, acting, strength/stretch and conditioning. This is a one of a kind program in Perth that prepares the students for the industry and since partnered with Empowerdance, they offer coaching in Certificate 2-4 in Dance. They have an audition process for entry to keep the numbers capped, maintaining the quality of learning and the high standard that is accomplished within the program.

John Curtin College of the Arts 

John Curtin College of the Arts is a specialist public school for students from Years 8-12. The school offers an array of arts programs, including dance, music, drama, and visual arts. The Dance program at JCCA provides students with a well-rounded education, covering a range of styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Students receive training in technique, choreography, performance, and analysis. The program aims to develop students’ creativity, confidence, and teamwork skills. The Gifted and Talented Ballet program is a vocational course that develops skills, techniques, creative abilities and academic achievements to transition students into a wide range of university or tertiary training courses. The lower school program from Years 7 to 9 provides students with up to 15 hours of training through an integrated program which is delivered during school curriculum time, after school, and on Saturday mornings. The Years 10 to 12 program, offered through the CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance (ballet) is designed to provide students with up to 20 hours a week of intensive training required to pursue ballet or dance as a career. Students in Year 11 and 12 can also study ATAR Dance.

John Curtin’s leading Drama Program provides students with opportunities to develop high level dramatic skills alongside other Gifted Arts students.

Students are given the opportunity to develop reading, writing, listening, speaking, and performance skills, as well as foundations for interpreting, reflecting and analysing creative modes of expression.

The Music Theatre Program combines dance, drama and music to provide students with the skills to create, present and analyse music theatre.

Students receive tuition in a range of theoretical and practical areas including music theory and knowledge, aural perception, history and analysis of the musical genre, various movement styles including jazz, tap and ballet, acting through song, character work and improvisation, and theatrical performance skills.

WAAPA

WAAPA is one of the leading performing arts institutions in Australia, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. This renowned program exposes students to various dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and choreography. The curriculum is designed to provide students with practical dance training, theoretical knowledge, and performance experience. WAAPA’s dance program focus on developing a student’s unique style, physicality, and artistic expression.

WAAPA’s Classical Dance courses are specifically designed for students wanting to pursue a ballet-focussed career. These nationally recognised VET qualifications provide intensive training in ballet technique and develop artistic expression through practical experience, daily classes and performance opportunities.

WAAPA’s internationally recognised Music Theatre programs provide graduates with the skills and experience to pursue sustainable and diverse careers in the performing arts. Music Theatre students are trained by WAAPA’s world-class teaching staff whose expertise has been honed through extensive professional practice. Students can expect a rigorous, contemporary approach to practice and learning that challenges them to reach their full potential.

These programs offer a high standard of dance education and prepare students for a range of career paths such as professional dancer, choreographer, dance educator, or dance therapist.

Perth is home to some of the best full-time dance programs in Australia. Whether you are interested in contemporary dance, classical ballet, hip hop, or musical theatre, there is a program to suit your needs and interests. These schools offer students the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities while preparing them for a career in the dance industry.

Check out what else is happening in dance in Western Australia.