Our Training Programs

South Yarra Ballet Academy offers tailored classical ballet training for children aged 5 to 14, following the comprehensive Ballet Conservatoire Syllabus by Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Director Christine Walsh. This syllabus is based upon the methodological program of the world-renowned Vaganova Academy; known for its systematic, progressive approach that builds strength and flexibility while integrating the entire body into every movement. Vaganova trained dancers are highly sought after in today’s professional dance industry, prized for their technical precision, fluidity, and expressive performance quality. As of 2026, South Yarra Ballet Academy will now follow in these footsteps, providing the professional-level Ballet Conservatoire education right in the heart of South Yarra.
the world-renowned Vaganova system
Vaganova-based classical ballet training is internationally prized for developing dancers with exceptional technical clarity, strength, and artistry. This leading method is grounded in a unified system that trains the body to work as a whole, rather than emphasizing individual skills in isolation. From the earliest levels, students are taught correct alignment, coordination of the arms and upper body with the legs, and an intelligent use of strength and flexibility. This comprehensive foundation produces dancers with strong classical lines, refined épaulement, and a clear understanding of movement quality, attributes that are highly valued by professional ballet institutions worldwide.
Dancers trained in the Vaganova method are often more successful in securing professional contracts and sustaining long-term careers because of the depth and balance of their preparation. The system develops resilient technique and efficient movement patterns that support physical longevity and consistency under professional demands. Equally important, Vaganova training places strong emphasis on musicality, expressive intention, and artistic responsibility, preparing dancers to adapt seamlessly across classical, neoclassical, and contemporary repertoire. For young dancers, this approach supports healthy physical development while fostering discipline, confidence, and versatility, creating artists who are not only technically accomplished but also equipped for lasting success in the professional ballet world.

“Here at South Yarra Ballet Academy, our faculty prioritises the careful development of strong classical ballet technique, whilst fostering an inclusive, caring, and inspiring learning environment. We hope to make the ballet studio a welcoming space, where all students can embrace the beauty of classical and contemporary ballet, whilst also learning lessons in perseverance, dedication, self-expression.”
Miss Bella
Ballet Conservatoire levels

Junior
Pre-primary (5-6 years old)
The enjoyment of dance whilst beginning to learn the discipline of classical ballet training and musicality.
Primary (6-8 years old)
More formal commencement of classical ballet training, but still including free expression work.
Preparatory 1 (7-9 years old)
Careful development of the classical ballet technique, vocabulary of steps and expressivity.

Intermediate
Grade 1 (8-10 years old)
Increased vocabulary of steps, including turning steps, greater demi-pointe work, body alignments and use of the head.
Grade 2 (9-12 years old)
Development of greater flexibility and strength, increased en l’air work including big poses, greater use of epaulement and more complex enchainement.
Grade 3 (11-13 years old)
Increase in complex steps, introduction of pirouettes, increased allegro work and preparation for pointe work.

Senior
Grade 4 (12-14 years old)
Continued technical skill development in complex and longer enchainements, advanced adagio and pointe work introduced. Development in artistic performance expressivity.
–
Group classes arriving in 2027, for grades:
Grade 5 (13-15 years old)*
Senior Level (14-16 years old)*
Excellence Award (16-18 years old)*
*Currently, Private Coaching only
Private coaching
Artistic Director Miss Bella (ex-ballerina, choreographer, artist, and passionate teacher) offers the opportunity of private coaching to all aspiring students. These lessons take a detailed one-to-one approach, focusing on the development and understanding of classical ballet technique, tailored individual corrections, and additional solo performance or exam coaching. Private coaching is offered with Miss Bella, as well as guest teachers upon request.

Contemporary dance
Contemporary dance is an essential part of a young dancer’s training. It develops strength, flexibility, and coordination in ways that complement classical ballet, while encouraging students to experiment with different movement styles and explore expressive, fluid motion. By practicing contemporary techniques, dancers learn to connect with the music and convey emotion through their bodies, enhancing their overall artistry.
In today’s dance industry, dancers are expected to perform across multiple styles, and contemporary training gives them the adaptability required to succeed. It challenges students to think creatively, respond to improvisation, and develop a nuanced sense of timing and spatial awareness. By engaging with contemporary dance from an early age, young dancers build the technical confidence, musical sensitivity, and expressive skills that are essential for today’s versatile performers.

Stretch + Conditioning
At South Yarra Ballet Academy, stretch and conditioning classes are an essential part of supporting the healthy development of young dancers. These classes are carefully structured and age-appropriate, ensuring that children build strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance in a safe and positive environment.
Rather than pushing young bodies beyond their limits, our approach focuses on teaching correct movement patterns, good posture, and body awareness, whilst also gradually striving for the flexibility required by today’s industry. This helps students feel more confident in their ballet classes and supports the development of strong, well-aligned technique as they grow.
Stretch and conditioning also plays an important role in injury prevention by helping dancers develop the strength and control needed to meet the physical demands of ballet. By encouraging healthy habits and mindful movement from an early age, we aim to support each child’s long-term wellbeing, enjoyment of dance, and continued progress both in the studio and beyond.

Elite Programs
For aspiring dancers, and families interested in attaining professional-standard dance education, it is recommended that students take a minimum of 2 x ballet classes per week. In line with international dance training standards, it is highly recommended that students also participate in weekly contemporary and stretch + conditioning classes. Contemporary training encourages versatility, musicality, and expressive movement, while stretch and conditioning supports strength, flexibility, alignment, and injury prevention. Together, these disciplines enhance classical ballet training and help young dancers develop the physical awareness, coordination, and resilience essential for healthy, well-rounded progression.
In today’s dance industry, it is no longer enough for young dancers just to train in ballet. Successful dancers must be versatile, flexible, and strong across a range of styles, with ballet companies commissioning increasingly contemporary dance repertoire, amongst the staple historic ballets. Our staff at SYBA understand today’s industry, and aspire to support healthy, capable dancers at every age level.
Junior
4 – 9 years old
- 1-2 Weekly Ballet Classes
- Stretch + Conditioning
- Private Coaching
Intermediate
8 – 13 years old
- 2-3 Weekly Ballet Classes
- Pre-Pointe (under 11yo)
- Stretch + Conditioning
- Contemporary
- Private Coaching
- Competitions
senior
12 – 18 years old
- 2-5 Weekly Ballet Classes
- Pointe + Repertoire
- Stretch + Conditioning
- Contemporary
- Private Coaching
- Competitions
- Pre-Professional Preparation
Recommended weekly training load per age group, as set out by health professionals and dance industry standards:
Ages 4-9:
2-6hrs training per week
Ages 8-13:
4-8hrs training per week
Ages 12-18:
8-18hrs training per week
As recommended by the Dance Clinic Wollongong, Physiotherapy, hours of dance training per week should not outweigh the age number of the child (eg. 7yo student = maximum 7hrs weekly training), as to prevent injury and over training. Aspiring dancers should also consider advanced full-time or part-time programs between the ages of 14-17yo, if they wish to continue with their career in dance.
* For our Elite Program, promising students will receive invitations to train once per week in ballet grades one year above, go to workshops, and attend solo competitions. Please contact Artistic Director Miss Bella if you believe your dancer is passionate about taking their training to the next level.
stretch your wings and Dare to fly!

Term 1 Timetable


