Key Facts:
Academy of Queensland Ballet presents its annual Gala. A defining milestone showcasing the aspiring student dancers.
Gala 6 – 8 August, 2026, 1hr, 30mins
Venue: Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre
End of Year Demonstration
Dates: 11 – 12 December
Venue; Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre
Academy of Queensland Ballet presents its annual
Gala
“You cannot hold their hands forever. But if you have taught them well, they will know how to fly” – Maurice Béjart
Brisbane, 6 August, 2026;: Marking the culmination of years of dedicated training, the Academy of Queensland Ballet’s Gala is an annual highlight featuring four special performances that celebrate the talent, passion and perseverance of our emerging artists. A vibrant mix of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works, the Gala also includes the Academy Défilé, bringing the entire Academy together onto the Talbot Theatre stage from the 6 – 8 August, 2026.
Featuring students from the Academy’s Foundation Program, Upper School, Lower School, and Pre-Professional Program, the Gala is a defining milestone for the students and their families, as the young dancers represent the next generation of talent aspiring to careers in professional dance companies.
Academy graduates typically progress to enjoy successful professional careers, securing contracts with leading companies in Australia and abroad. Currently, more than 50% of Queensland Ballet’s artists were trained with the Academy prior to securing a contract with the Company.
The performances feature works by Academy choreographers, Paul Boyd, Camilo Ramos, Grant Aris and Amellia Waller as well as works by Academy students. Featured works include:
Le Nouveau Classique – by Paul Boyd
An excerpt from Academy choreographer, Paul Boyd’s longer work of the same name, showcase the technical proficiency of the Upper School students and allow the all-important corps de ballet work, necessary for any dancer, to be studied, mastered and performed.
Intimate Dialogues – by Paul Boyd
This excerpt from the full work represents a dialogue of trust, connection and intimate conversation between women who support and nurture each other.
Academy Defile – by Paul Boyd
Bringing the entire Academy of Queensland Ballet together in a lavish presentation. 1/2
Director, Academy of Queensland Ballet, Christian Tàtchev, said the season is a celebration of movement, mastery of technique and artistry.
“At the Gala, the dancers will showcase not only their classical and contemporary technique, but also their disciplined professionalism and artistry – their ability to convey emotion, character, and story through movement. These skills are of great importance as they reflect industry practice and the repertoire of all major dance companies across the globe,” Tàtchev said.
“The Academy provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary dance education that honours classical traditions while preparing students for the opportunities of the 21st century.
Through our partnership with Kelvin Grove State College, students receive a well-rounded academic education alongside their dance training, giving them the ability to graduate with strong ATAR results.” Tàtchev added
Offering a detailed and thorough education across dance and the Queensland school curriculum, the Academy stands as a pillar of Brisbane’s professional education for the arts
Queensland Ballet has been developing young dancers since 1953 under French born Charles Lisner. The Charles Lisner Academy later evolved into the Queensland Ballet. The Academy of Queensland Ballet continues the legacy of our founder, Charles Lisner and is now a fully integrated educational facility
In 1953, French born Charles Lisner founded the Lisner Ballet Academy which evolved into the Queensland Ballet in 1961. In 1982, Queensland Government’s Department of Education and Training in partnership with Queensland Ballet formed the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, a fully integrated educational facility. Continuing the legacy of our founder, Charles Lisner, the Academy of Queensland Ballet celebrates its 43rd anniversary in 2026 and is committed to nurturing the next generation of dance artists.
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