The Australian Ballet

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Studios

Studios

Take adult ballet class to live piano in the same studios that our dancers rehearse in daily.

View Studios class times
  • Duration

    75 mins

  • Ticket price range

    $174 for six week series booking
    $160 for Absolute Beginner series
    $36 for casual classes

  • Suitable for

    18+ only

Our adult ballet classes are run by current and former dancers of The Australian Ballet and taught to live piano. Classes range from Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

We also have our Absolute Beginner series for participants new to ballet and dance. Please note, these classes do not include live piano.

Everyone is welcome, so no matter if you have two left feet or feel at home at the barre, we'll have you on your way to performing the perfect pirouette in no time.

During your visit to The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre, construction works may be taking place as part of Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne. Please click here for information regarding pedestrian and vehicle access.

Join us at the barre now!

Buy Studios series

Book the same class for all weeks in the upcoming series to receive a discount and secure your place in class

Six Week Series Package
From 20 January - 27 February 2025

Series 1

Buy series

Buy Studios casual classes

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A ballet teacher leaning against a barre smiling, interacting with their student, both dressed in black.
A female ballet dancer wearing pink leans back against a barre with arms open.
A group of ballet dancers stand against a barre with their hands extended high above their heads.

Adult Ballet Class Levels

Absolute Beginner

Learn the basics of our favourite artform. This fun, step-by-step class is designed to build confidence so you can channel your inner ballerina.
No prior experience necessary. Please note, classes at this level does not include a live pianist and can only be booked as a full series.

Beginner

Get familiar with the barre and progress slowly into exercises in the centre of the room, helping you to improve your posture, coordination and strength.

Intermediate

Now that your brain is full of ballet enchaînement, it’s time to work on technique. Intermediate classes will develop correct body alignment, while continuing to build on your strength and coordination.

Advanced

Your form is focused. Your technique is tried and tested. Now you will be developing the musicality of your centre work, allowing you to develop the lyricism of your dancing.

All classes run for 75-minutes.

Pricing

Series Booking: Book the same class for all weeks in a series to receive a discount and secure your place in class

  • $145 for five week series booking
  • $133 for five week Absolute Beginner series

Casual Classes:

  • $36 for casual class bookings

Please see 'Series Schedule' for the dates in each series

Series Schedule

Current series:
Series 8 will run from Monday 11 November to Thursday 12 December.

Mondays

  • Beginner, 6:30-7:45pm - Jessica Thompson
    - Class on 2 December will be covered by Amanda McGuigan
  • Intermediate, 6:45-8:00pm - Sophie Fletcher
  • Absolute Beginner, 7:00-8:15pm - Yuiko Masukawa
    - Class on 9 December will be covered by Justine Miles

Tuesdays

  • Beginner, 6:30-7:45pm - Sophie Fletcher
  • Intermediate, 6:45-8:00pm - Justine Miles
  • Beginner, 7:00-8:15pm - Paul Knobloch

Wednesdays

  • Absolute Beginner, 6:15-7:30pm - Justine Miles
  • Absolute Beginner, 6:30-7:45pm - Yuiko Masukawa
    - Classes on 4 December and 11 December will be covered by Paul Knobloch

Thursdays

  • Beginner, 6:30-7:45pm - Jessica Thompson
    - Class on 5 December will be covered by Amanda McGuigan
  • Intermediate, 6:45-8:00pm - Filip Janda
  • Advanced, 7:00-8:15pm - Madeleine Eastoe
    - Class on 12 December will be covered by Paul Knobloch
Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: October 2024

All of our classes are subject to the Step Inside events policy. If you require further details, please refer to these policies or contact the customer experience team by calling 1300 369 741 (Mon – Fri, 9-5pm) or via our web form here.

Tickets for Step Inside events, talks and classes are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. All purchases are final, and tickets are non-transferrable. Purchase and participation of Step Inside events will be considered acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, and any ongoing updates to these Terms and Conditions.

By purchasing and participating in events and classes held at The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre presented by The Australian Ballet, you agree to observe any COVID-19 restrictions or recommendations imposed by Government directives and within the venue’s COVIDSafe Policies.

Participants must be aged 18 and above to attend these classes.

As there are no payment facilities available on-site, all bookings must be completed online prior to participating in the class.

For security purposes and in case of an emergency, the names of individual event participants will be required for all classes. You may also be asked to provide additional details either at the time of booking or upon attending certain tours, classes and workshops including the participant’s address, date of birth and an emergency contact. The Australian Ballet reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of a participant’s registration, to refuse entry and to reject or disqualify a participant from participating in any classes.

Conduct

Classes can be physically strenuous, and participation is voluntary, based on a participant’s own assessment of their fitness, health and understanding of the class requirements. It is the responsibility of the participant to follow instructions given by class teachers to maintain personal safety.

The Australian Ballet reserves the right to refuse entry, to reject or disqualify a participant from participating in any classes or ask anyone to leave the premises at any time if their behaviour compromises the safety or comfort of others. Our aim is to maintain a welcoming and non-competitive environment for all. Disruptive or unsociable behaviour is not tolerated.

Late Arrival

Sign-in for our classes is open from 6:00-7:00pm, there is absolutely no late admittance beyond this window or 15 minutes after a class has started - whichever comes first. For participant safety we cannot permit late admission to class more than 15 minutes after the class has started. Late admission into a class is not guaranteed and may be treated as a forfeiting of participation in the event – The Australian Ballet takes no responsibility for causes of delays or lateness beyond the control of the company.

Cancelled Classes

In the event a class needs to be cancelled, we will attempt to contact all who are booked in for that class prior to the start time where possible and all bookings for the cancelled class will be refunded.

Medical Conditions

We require a letter from your doctor to participate if you:

  • are pregnant
  • have a history of heart condition or stroke
  • have a serious cardiovascular condition including hypertension, hypotension and heart failure
  • are currently using diuretics, barbiturates or beta-blockers

For more information:

For any enquiries about bookings, please call the Customer Experience Team on 1300 369 741.

FAQ

Where are the classes?

Our studios are located at:
Level 5, The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre
2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne

Sign in and lift access to Level 5 is only open from 6:00-7:00pm. Please arrive within 15 minutes before class begins

What should I wear?

Feel free to wear whatever you desire! No worries if you're in full ballet gear or if you're in a t-shirt and leggings - so long as you are comfortable in non-restrictive clothes that allow for ease of movement.

It is best to arrive ready for class as there are limited change room facilities available.

Do I need specific shoes?

Please wear soft-soled ballet or dance shoes for class. If you don’t have soft-soled shoes you will be able to do class barefoot as socks and street shoes are strictly not permitted in the studio.

For our more skilled dancers, please note we do not permit pointe shoes as our classes do not include any pointe work.

Can I wear pointe shoes to class?

We do not permit pointe shoes as our classes do not include any pointe work in the exercises in any of the levels. Please wear soft-soled ballet or dance shoes for class.

What should I bring?

Water in a non-glass bottle and a towel is suggested to keep yourself well-hydrated and refreshed during class. It’s also recommended that you don’t eat in the 90 minutes before class.

What is the difference between a series booking and a casual class?

A series booking is a fixed package of classes for the same time and level each week across a six-week period. By making a series booking, you receive a discount for booking the same class in the full series and secure your place in the class.

As this discount is received for booking a fixed package of classes, we do not offer exchanges for missed classes or classes you cannot attend.

On the other hand if you prefer a more flexible option, you can opt for casual classes, which allow you to book classes as per your availability and until the classes reach capacity. Casual classes go on sale the week before a new series begins.

After I've paid for my booking, do I need a ticket to enter class?

No ticket is required! During the booking process we collect your registration information, and all completed bookings will pull through on the class rolls at sign-in. Please note that once you have completed your booking online, we will email a confirmation of your order.

Once you have completed your online booking, your name will be listed on the attendance roll for your class at sign-in. If your name is not visible on the roll, you may be asked to verify your booking by presenting your order confirmation email or other proof of purchase.

All bookings must be completed online before attending class as there are no onsite payment facilities.

If you have any issues booking online, please contact our customer experience team by calling 1300 369 741, available Mon – Fri between 9-5pm.

What if I am running late?

Lift access to Level 5 is only open from 6:00-7:00pm. Please ensure you arrive promptly, as there is absolutely no late admittance beyond this window or 15 minutes after your class has started - whichever comes first. This policy is in place for your safety and to minimize disruption to fellow participants.

As per our Terms and Conditions, late admission into a class is not guaranteed and may be treated as a forfeiting of participation in the event – The Australian Ballet takes no responsibility for causes of delays or lateness beyond the control of the company.

Are all classes taught to live piano?

Our Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes are taught to live piano accompaniment. Our Absolute Beginner classes are taught to recorded music and do not include a live pianist.

Every possible effort is made to deliver classes, workshops and events as advertised however our schedule is subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Can I exchange classes in a series booking?

A series booking is a fixed package of classes for the same time and level each week across a six-week period. By making a series booking, you receive a discount for booking the same class in the full series and secure your place in the class.

As this discount is received for booking a fixed package of classes, we do not offer exchanges for missed classes or classes you cannot attend.

What happens if I miss a class in the Absolute Beginner series?

If you happen to miss a class in your Absolute Beginner series, there's no need to worry! Your teacher will be able to fill you in on what you missed in your next class, so you won't fall behind. Keep going and enjoy the learning journey!

I have missed a class, can I get a refund?

Tickets for classes are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. All purchases are final, and tickets are non-transferrable.

All of our classes are subject to the Step Inside events policy for further information.

How do I know which level I should be in?

We have four different skill levels available for our classes. All of our ballet classes, excluding the Absolute Beginner level, follow an 'open' style format, meaning that the content of the classes varies from week to week.

Absolute Beginner
This class is ideal for you if you have never done ballet before or if you are still learning the foundational steps. This level is only available as a series booking and is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of ballet techniques and vocabulary, building on what you learn each week. We recommend doing 2-3 courses of this level before progressing to the Beginner level so that you are confident with the fundamentals.

Beginner
Improve your posture and strength with basic exercises that slowly progress you from the barre into to centre work. This is the class for you if you have participated in ballet classes before or have taken a few Absolute Beginner series with us and are familiar with the basic positions of the arms and feet and the foundational steps of ballet.

Intermediate
If you're not new to ballet and looking to develop the correct body alignment while continuing to build your strength and coordination, then this is the level for you.

Advanced
Our Advanced class is perfect for the confident dancer with a solid foundation in classical technique. Class will move at a quicker pace and include longer exercises in the centre.

If you are still unsure of which level you should book into, we suggest booking for the lower level as it is easier to continue with an easier class than be stuck in one that is too difficult. You can also find sample classes of our Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes to test the levels at home - these sample classes feature an exercise towards the end of the barre mid-way through the class.

I'm interested in going up a level, when will I be ready to progress?

For all levels, we recommend repeating the level you're in until you are confident in executing the steps in the class exercises before going up a level. If you are transitioning to a new level, we highly recommend attending both your current level and the level you are moving into within the same week for a couple of series. This practice will help facilitate a smoother transition and adjustment to the new level.

It is also a good idea to speak with your teachers to let them know you are interested in moving to the next level so they can keep a closer eye on your technique during class and assist you in identifying when you are ready to progress.

Can a friend or family member watch class?

We do not allow friends or family members to sit in and watch class. Please also note friends and family members are not permitted to remain in the Level 5 foyer after sign in has closed at 7pm, however they are welcome to meet you after class on Level 1 (ground floor) or Level 4.

Can I film or take photos during class?

For the comfort of other participants, we strictly do not permit filming or photography during class at any time.

"They are a highlight of my week, a place where I feel very welcome, able to be myself and access dance in a meaningful way." Stu­dios participant

Go behind the scenes

23 AEP Studios for Web

Beginner Sample Class

In the Beginner classes, get familiar with the barre and progress slowly into exercises in the centre of the room, helping you to improve your posture, coordination and strength.

23 AEP Studios for Web2

Intermediate Sample Class

Now that your brain is full of ballet enchaînement, it’s time to work on technique. Intermediate classes will develop correct body alignment, while continuing to build on your strength and coordination.

23 AEP Studios for Web3

Advanced Sample Class

In the Advanced classes, your form is focused and your technique is tried and tested. Now you will be developing the musicality of your centre work, allowing you to develop the lyricism of your dancing.