Ballet in the Secondary School

All Ballet students are required to participate in the annual Dance Showcase.

The Vocational Graded Pathway

The College offers Vocational Grades – Intermediate Foundation to Advanced One in 2025. The Vocational Grades are for dedicated, skilled and passionate ballet students. They are beautifully crafted syllabi, incorporating pointe work and challenging exercises to further develop the dancer’s classical technique. The Vocational Grades are by invitation only and to express interest in a Selection Class please contact dance@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Students will only complete their examination if they have met all the requirements below and have accomplished the syllabus work. The College will determine each student’s entry for examination on an individual basis and will advise parents accordingly. Students are not guaranteed to complete their examination in the year they commence the grade. In some cases, it may take two years for a student to accomplish all vocational work. The RAD Examinations for Vocational Grades are exceptionally difficult. Students are examined under the expectation of their future as a professional dancer.

The College also offers Pymble Presentation Examinations if students are not able to meet the requirements for a formal Royal Academy of Dance Examination.

All students wishing to be considered for the RAD Vocational Examinations must:

1. Commit to attending the compulsory scheduled weekly classes all year as per the table below. 

2. Have passed the Pre-Pointe Assessment with a Dance Physiotherapist.

3. Commit to at least five private lessons a year.

4. Register and agree to all CCSA requirements online, including the registration and examination fees.

5. Commit to attending a Mock Examination.

6. Commit to attending at least one Holiday Workshop. 

7. Uphold the College values while participating in the Examinations.

8. Communicate with the Head of Dance about any issues that may arise during the year.

9. To ensure safe dance practice, candidates must have reached the minimum age of 11 by September 1 (for exam sessions taking place between September and December).

NEW in 2026

Saturdays

We are extending our classes to Saturdays, which aligns with the structure of external studios, in turn gives students more time during the week rather than overload the afternoons with multiple classes.

Please Click Here to view our 2026 timetable.

Ballet Extension Program

The Secondary Ballet Extension Program is for dedicated students in Years 7 to 12 who wish to take their training beyond the RAD syllabus through advanced coaching and mentorship. This invitation based program nurtures each dancer’s individual strengths while preparing them for prestigious competitions, auditions, and the technical and artistic demands of HSC Dance.
Students are supported to extend their technical ability, enhance their versatility, and grow as expressive, professional minded artists equipped for today’s dance world.

Full Extension Program: 

• Invitation only – students will be contacted by the Dance Department. Students are also able to email a request for the Ballet Co-Ordinator to consider

• Must attend 2 syllabus classes, pointe class 

• Saturday classes – Variations and Repertoire 9.30am; Contemporary Ensemble 10.30am; PDT class 11.30am 

• Monday Open Ballet 5.30pm 

• Invitations to solos/duos/trios 

• Students in the Extension Ballet Program will be featured in the 2026 Opera House Classical item for 110 PLC  

Partial Extension Program: 

• For Year 11 and 12 Elective students and Company Dancers only 

• They can choose a minimum of two of the above options from the full extension program. 

• Will not be included in the 2026 opera House Classical item or Showcase 

• Invitations to solos/duos/trios 

Year 7 to Year 12 Private Lessons

Terms and Conditions:

• Private Ballet Lessons are only available to students who intend to complete an RAD Class Award or Examination this year (Grade 2 to Advanced One).

• Lessons cancelled due to events/appointments will be charged in full if notification is not received at least 48 hours prior to the lesson time.

• Lessons cancelled due to illness will be charged in full if notification is not received prior to 7.30am on the morning of the lesson.

Please note: All notifications regarding Private Lessons must be made via email to dance@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to ensure all relevant staff are aware.

Pre-Pointe Assessments

All new students enrolled in Intermediate Foundation or above will have an individual Pre-Pointe Assessment with a Dance Physiotherapist. This Pre-Pointe screening is essential to ensure the student is ready to progress to pointe work.

The assessment covers areas such as ankle strength, turnout range and hip mobility as well as core control and body alignment. Following the assessments each student receives a Dance Report which outlines areas to improve via specific exercises given by the Dance Physiotherapist. All students will then have a follow-up appointment to monitor student progress.

Isobel Anderson Awards

Students who achieve a high result in their ballet exams will be invited to participate in the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance, Isobel Anderson Awards. Held at the end of Term 1, the event involves a series of classes and auditions, where dancers compete alongside many other students from across Sydney. This offers dancers a fantastic opportunity to advance their ballet development, gain valuable performance experience, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Open to students who have completed their Vocational Examination from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 1, the Awards foster growth through collaboration with peers and guest teachers, helping dancers refine their artistry and technique while preparing them for future opportunities, including international competitions.