The highly anticipated $17.7 million Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College has officially opened.
Education Minister and McConnel MP Grace Grace joined the Governor of Queensland, Kelvin Grove SC Executive Principal Llew Paulger, Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin and the school community in opening the facility.
“Today is historic day for the arts in Brisbane and Queensland,” Ms Grace said.
“The Palaszczuk Government was proud to have invested $17.7 million to construct this world-class building which was built by Paynters, supporting 53 full-time jobs.
“We know how much this amazing centre means to our state school students who have their eye on a professional career in ballet.
“The building features six large dance studios, two multi-purpose rooms, a gym, physio room and staff rooms.
“In 2020, the academy will be able to accommodate up to 180 students.
“The centre will support world-class training and education while also attracting elite dance students from across Australia and overseas to train under the creative direction of Queensland Ballet.”
Ms Grace said the construction of the facility also provided great work experience for aspiring tradies.
“I was delighted to hear that two Kelvin Grove State College students – Leo Hodges and Ashley Birkwhistle – completed a traineeship by working on the project from start to finish,” she said.
“Both students completed a Certificate II in Civil Construction with the contractor Paynters.”
Ms Grace said the Government was heavily investing in new infrastructure projects at Kelvin Grove.
“A $21.4 million multi-purpose hall is under construction and is expected to be ready for the start of term 2,” she said.
“This new facility will include 17 classrooms, a staff room, three enclosed multi-purpose courts and other staff and specialty spaces.
“We are spending almost $40 million on new projects at Kelvin Grove SC which is a rapidly growing school.
“In fact, the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $64 million in infrastructure at this school over the last five years.”
From 2021, the Queensland Ballet Academy will extend its intensive dance training program to talented students in Years 7 to 12. The program is currently available to students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin said the completion of the facility was a game-changer for dance education in Queensland.
“Queensland Ballet is incredibly proud to have been part of this important project,” he said.
“It is the next step in our 30-year partnership with Kelvin Grove State College.
“Together we have created an elite ballet training facility that will attract talented students from across the country and internationally.
“The Queensland Ballet Academy will create an enduring legacy for future generations, and we look forward to training and nurturing our ballet students in a professional, world-class setting.”
Kelvin Grove State College Executive Principal Llew Paulger said the school community was rapt with the new building.
“We have offered excellence programs in dance for the past 30 years, including our ballet program in partnership with the Queensland Ballet,” Mr Paulger said.
“The new Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College combines world class ballet education and training with our world-class educational programs. Having the Queensland Ballet Academy, actually located within the College, is the first Ballet Academy of its type anywhere in the world.
“We hope to attract Australia’s best young dancers to the academy, as well as becoming the first choice for dancers in the Asia-Pacific region.”
