Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year provides a unique opportunity for aspiring professional dancers aged 18 – 24 years to train full-time with Sydney Dance Company.
Pre-Professional Year
Applications for PPY27 are now open
If you’d like to learn more about Pre-Professional Year click below for the 2027 Prospectus.
For any further questions, email training@sydneydancecompany.com.
10 Years of the Pre-Professional Year
Since its inception over a decade ago, The Pre-Professional Year program has seen hundreds of young dancers develop their skills and graduate into incredible emerging artists.
To celebrate this important milestone, in 2024 we sat down with Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Head of Training Linda Gamblin and five PPY alumni to learn about their experiences and how this program was brought to life.
The Pre-Professional Year Program
Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance Company is at the forefront of contemporary dance, both in Australia and internationally.
As a Pre-Professional Year dancer, being immersed in this environment enables the young dancer to cultivate an inquisitive mind and sophisticated movement.
With Linda Gamblin, Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Training, at the helm, the Pre-Professional Year is designed as a one or two year program providing both unparalleled industry experience and a vocational qualification .
Pre-Professional Year dancers work with numerous national and international contemporary choreographers and industry specialists each year who offer a variety of unique movement philosophies and techniques to enhance training and development.
The knowledge and skills shared by these artists and educators gives the PPY dancers an opportunity refine and develop their technique and performance skills while working and collaborating with prominent members of the performing arts industry. Focus on collaboration nourishes inclusiveness within the group and strengthens the ability and efficacy of the individual dancer. Exploring a variety of strategies to embrace varied processes cultivates emotional intelligence and analytical thinking.
Dancers in the Pre-Professional Year work towards completing CUA60120 – Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) over two years, with the option to finish after one year with a CUA51520 – Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO# 45863). Sydney Dance Company will monitor students’ progression throughout the course and ensure national requirements for training and assessing are met. Nationally recognised courses ensure a standard of excellence.
Dancers work and learn together through a holistic training and assessment framework made up of five key focus areas. The units of competency of each of the qualifications are contextualised within these focus areas.
I. INDUSTRY: Investigating current trends and industry infrastructure focus the dancer on becoming job-ready by implementing a critical approach in shaping the future of dance.
II. TECHNIQUE: Cultivating sceptical and empirical enquiry into a variety of contemporary and classical techniques develops a deeper understanding of how awareness drives sophisticated deliberate movement.
III. CONDITIONING: Personal and physical development, self-efficacy and resilience are brought to the forefront of training. This focus area includes injury prevention, applied anatomy and physiology for dancers, along with nutrition and wellbeing.
IV. CHOREOGRAPHY
Exploring creative play, choreographic skills and scored and structured improvisation enhance leadership skills to work in a professional, co-creative, collaborative environment. Studio showings of works in progress occur regularly throughout each term.
V. PERFORMANCE: To contextualise, refine and redefine movement and performance qualities in the many rehearsals and performances throughout the year cultivates professionalism. Artistry is revealed through experimentation, informative feedback and debrief sessions. Dance on stage and screen, workplace health and safety and other essential aspects of performance are explored within this focus area.
Answers to common questions about performances, classes and programs at Sydney Dance Company.
Contact us if you have any further questions that aren’t answered here.
The first round of auditions for Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year 2025 will be an online application process, which includes video submission.
Successful first round applicants will receive an invitation to a second round.
Dancers aged 18 to 24 make up the cohort of the Pre-Professional Year. Younger or older applicants are encouraged to contact us prior to applying by emailing training@sydneydancecompany.com
We encourage applicants for the Pre-Professional Year to have an intermediate level of Classical Ballet, compelling competency in own genre or style, certificate IV level of dance education or equivalent and Australian or New Zealand citizenship or an appropriate residency visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the program (Sydney Dance Company cannot arrange Student Visas).
You are not required to complete full-time training prior to joining the Pre-Professional Year. Dancers selected to join the program demonstrate maturity and the ability to work collaboratively in a co-creative environment. The Pre-Professional Year program allows every dancer to gain the most out of each learning experience and nurture their individual growth.
Pre-Professional Year dancers are a blend of high school leavers, full-time dance students and university graduates. The spectrum of age cultivates respect, mindfulness, maturity and the acceptance of a variety of diverse histories. This both reflects the industry and emulates a company-like environment.
Hours are 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, following the NSW school term dates.
Most days start with technique or conditioning classes ranging from yoga, Pilates and classical ballet to contemporary techniques and improvisation. Working with the core team of educators on a regular basis enables focused learning with attention on biomechanics, self-awareness, inquisitive thinking and technical efficiency.
The second part of the day is dedicated to workshops or choreographic development with both Australian and international guest choreographers and industry specialists.
Each workshop or choreographic development runs for 1-3 weeks. This time allows dancers to increase their technical skills and develop the self-awareness required for a co-creative working space. The focus on collaboration nourishes inclusivity within the group and strengthens the efficacy of the individual.
Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year offers two nationally recognised training qualifications through a specialised curriculum tailored to global industry standards. These qualifications provide dancers with essential tools for a sustainable career in dance.
Pre-Professional Year dancers will complete CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the first year of training and CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the second year. Dancers will also receive Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year Certificate of Graduation.
Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO # 45863).
Classes include classical ballet, contemporary and biomechanics, yoga, Pilates, repertoire, improvisation, creative task work, mindfulness and resilience, conditioning.
Other areas covered include: funding and project development, performance skills, goal setting, choreographic development, industry research and dance on film.
The Pre-Professional Year program culminates in a production season at a theatre in Sydney, where the Pre-Professional Year dancers perform commissioned works by Australian and international choreographers. Throughout the year informal performances and artist talks will take place in Sydney Dance Company’s black box theatre in Studio 5: the Neilson Studio.
Other performance opportunities may arise where Pre-Professional Year dancers are employed to represent Sydney Dance Company in local and in-house engagements as well as various commissions and public events.
Scholarship opportunities are available by application to those who have accepted the offer to participate in Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year. Fee scholarships are made available thanks to generous support provided by private donors. Scholarship applications are means-tested and are assessed by Sydney Dance Company’s Review Panel on a case-by-case basis.
No improvisation experience is required to get into the Pre-Professional Year. Our improvisation workshops are facilitated by guest improvisation artists in an inclusive and process-based learning environment. Improvisation allows dancers of any background to gain better awareness of their practice. It provides tools for extending the physical ability and allows dancers to unleash their unique creative voice.
Improvisation is an integral component of contemporary dance which is used in choreographic processes, open auditions, professional training and warm-up classes.
No, the PPY program integrates technical growth every day. Through classes and workshops, from classical ballet to floorwork and partnering, PPY provides both the challenges and the support required to achieve your personal goals in dance.
Teaching Staff
Linda Gamblin
Head of Training
Linda Gamblin trained at The Royal Ballet School (London) before performing soloist and principal roles with The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Portugal and Sydney Dance Company. Alongside her international performing career, Linda developed specialist expertise in Pilates, anatomy and biomechanics, completing a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology (UK). This foundation informs her distinctive approach to classical and contemporary dance training, integrating functional movement awareness with artistic excellence. Her ongoing professional development in mindfulness, psychology and mental health continues to shape her commitment to safe, sustainable and emotionally intelligent learning environments.
As Head of Training, Linda pioneered Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program in 2014, establishing a forward-thinking model that embodies the lived demands of the industry. Grounded in holistic, inclusive and rigorous pedagogical practice, this model supports the artistic, physical and psychological development of young dancers and now underpins all advanced training at Sydney Dance Company, including the company’s nationally accredited Teacher Training Program.
Linda holds the CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), CUA50311 Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, CUA40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology UK and current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.
Omer Backley-Astrachan
Pre-Professional Year Program Manager
Omer Backley-Astrachan is a choreographer and educator with a diverse artistic background. As a performer, Omer has worked with leading companies and choreographers including Kamea Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Idan Cohen Dance Company, Jerusalem Dance Theatre, Marina Abramović, Mel O’Callaghan, Kay Armstrong, Dean Walsh, Sue Healey and Joshua Thomson.
Over the past decade, Omer has been working at the heart of Australia’s arts industry. He continuously engages with local dance organisations such as Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, Dance Makers Collective, and FORM Dance Projects, all of whom play a role in supporting his work and the development of his practice.
Omer has created four full-length works, including Rhapsody, Valley, TOHU, and Common Place presenting in Australia and internationally. His body of work has been supported by organisations such as Create NSW, Ausdance NSW, Bundanon Trust and BrandX, among others.
In 2018, Backley-Astrachan was appointed Course Coordinator at Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year (PPY), where, for five years, he mentored the next generation of leading dance creatives in Australia. During this time, he created two major works with the PPY dancers, including Fugue (2020) with composer Jane Sheldon and Folk (2021) for their Carriageworks season.
From 2023 to 2026, Omer served as Producer and Associate Artist with Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub. In this role, he collaborated closely with the organisation to support and strengthen the independent dance sector across regional and metropolitan contexts.
In 2026, he returned to Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year as Program Manager, continuing his commitment to education, mentorship, and sector development.
Juliette Barton
Training Associate
Juliette Barton is an industry specialist in contemporary dance and related physical practices. With a performance career spanning over 20 years, she has worked with an extensive array of choreographers including Rafael Bonachela, Alexander Ekman, Jacopo Godani, Emanuel Gat, Russell Maliphant, Andonis Foniadakis, Gideon Obarzanek, Gabrielle Nankivell, Adam Linder and Keneth Kvanstrom. Juliette was a Company dancer at Sydney Dance Company for 12 years, with her final performance in 2021.
Throughout her career, Juliette has performed to critical acclaim across Australia and the globe including in New York, London, Germany, France, Russia, China, Korea, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile.
As a choreographer, Juliette has created solo works for Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed 2014 season, and the Art Gallery NSW Archie Plus program in 2020. As a contemporary dance teacher and coach, Juliette has taught extensively across Australia to professional companies including Sydney Dance Company, Chunky Move and Bangarra Dance Theatre as well as high calibre training institutions including WAAPA, VCA, Transit Dance, National College of Dance, and across all of Sydney Dance Company’s advanced training programs including the Pre-Professional Year (PPY), Professional Intensives, Youth Ensemble and Sydney Dance Company’s Public Dance program.
Juliette acted in the role of Rehearsal Associate at Sydney Dance Company during the Company’s rehearsal and performance of Ohad Naharin’s Decadance. In 2024 Juliette joined Bangarra Dance Theatre for a 6-month sabbatical as Rehearsal Director.
Juliette officially joined Sydney Dance Company’s Advanced Training team as Training Associate in 2022 bringing a wealth of industry and educational experience, combined with a Bachelor of Arts/Dance (WAAPA), a Postgraduate Certificate in Communications (Griffith University), and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116). Juliette is also trained in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.
Todd Sutherland
Training Associate
Todd is an accomplished dancer, teacher, choreographer and arts professional with over two decades of experience across leading performing arts organisations. He trained at The Australian Ballet School, during which time he performed with The Australian Ballet and toured nationally with The Dancers Company.
Todd went on to secure a full-time position with Queensland Ballet, performing leading roles across both classical and contemporary repertoire, before joining Sydney Dance Company. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Rafael Bonachela on more than 15 original works and performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Touring highlights include Between Breath & Form (New York, Barcelona, London) and 2 One Another, an award-winning production presented across North and South America, Germany, China and Russia.
He has performed works by leading international choreographers, including William Forsythe, Alexander Ekman, Cheng Tsung-lung, Andonis Foniadakis, Stephanie Lake, Melanie Lane and Kristina Chan, among others.
In addition to his performance career, Todd worked as a guest aerial artist with Legs On The Wall, including Lovers for Sydney World Pride (2023). He began his professional journey as an elite artistic gymnast, representing Australia and becoming a Queensland State Champion.
Todd joins the PPY Training Team as Training Associate, bringing his professional performance expertise and teaching experience to the course to provide ballet technique and Sydney Dance Company repertoire training. Todd is also a regular teacher with Sydney Dance Company’s open class program.
Alexandria Panetta
Learning Associate
Alexandria Panetta (Lexy) is a Sydney-based artist, choreographer and academic with a strong interest in dance performance, improvisation, writing and film.
She has completed a Bachelor of Arts, BA Dance and BA Education, BA Arts and Social Sciences, Honours in Dance Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
In 2022, Lexy received a competitive research scholarship to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil in Creative Practice) at UNSW. Her thesis ‘Enacting (Re)Actions: Affect Theory and Embodied Resonance in Improvisational Contemporary Dance and Compositional Pedagogy’ contributes to the educational sphere in NSW and Australia and analyses the core of improvisation; supporting the creative value and potential of choreographic development through improvisational skills.
Lexy works as a passionate academic in both dance and education faculties at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) and continues her aspirations as a dance researcher, incorporating theory, philosophy and practice in her written work. Lexy has been a long-standing tutor and collaborator for The Arts Unit (Department of Education) working in their programs and ensembles.
As the Learning Associate for the Sydney Dance Company, Lexy offers her insights and perspective in educational approaches to dance and creativity. She is passionate about the alignment and application of valued industry skillsets to training and education. Lexy creates and delivers academic resources and content to the Pre-Professional Year.
2026
PPY1
Imogen Adair
Allyssa Cleary
Emilia Considine
Sophie Dang
Saskia Dixon-Valk
Rosie Emslie
Stephanie Engelhardt
Saffron Francis
Amelia Gee
Madison Gill
Molly Griffin
Georgia Hill
Lena Killalea
Sienna Lentini
Gemma Montalbano
Ella Morgan
Tilda Morse
Sofia Ramadge
Tayah Showman
Aurielle Smith
Amy Stone
Amy Wake
Isabella Waldron-Kazas
Lily Woods
PPY2
Larina Bagic
Carly Bugg
Matilda Butterworth
Marcella Corelli
Louis Corry
Xanthe Creighton
Alexandra Dennett
Faith Draeger
Eliza Eather
Miyuki Feng
Maddison Fisher
Amarli Harrison
Kirra Horvath
Eusebio Kamide
Zoe Lewry
Flynn Masterton
Matilda Meidling
Tia Mohajer
Alia Peerbaye
Trinity Taylor-Hric
Lia Williamson
2025
PPY1
Larina Bagic
Emelia Barry
Sage Berude
Carly Bugg
Matilda Butterworth
Marcella Corelli
Louis Corry
Xanthe Creighton
Jade Dawes
Paloma Demetriou
Alexandra Dennett
Faith Draeger
Eliza Eather
Maddison Fisher
Amarli Harrison
Claudia Horan
Kirra Horvath
Zoe Karatenislis
Zoe Lewry
Flynn Masterton
Matilda Meidling
Tia Mohajer
Ella Newman
Rebecca Pavey
Alia Peerbaye
Trinity Taylor-Hric
Lia Williamson
PPY2
Mahalia Adamson
Shoshana Auerbach
Aleisha Brown
Edie Burgess
Astrid Cahill
Alice Collins
Nala Davies
Sophie Donald
Lily Dowley
Grace Fuz
Rose Giunta
Michiko Kogawa
Soraya Moncelet
Sofia Montano
Poppy Nowlan
Ines Omodiagbe
Amalia Scherf
Lucinda Schoeman
Madison Smith
James Snashall
Daniella Sywak
Emma Taoho
Claudia Vales
Eloise Watts
Charlotte Whelan
Jera Wynyard-Byrnes
2024
Class of 2024
PPY1
Mahalia Adamson
Shoshana Auerbach
Izzi Becvarik
Aleisha Brown
Edie Burgess
Astrid Cahill
Alice Collins
Meg Connolly
Nala Davies
Lily Dowley
Zoe Frazer
Grace Fuz
Rose Giunta
Michiko Kogawa
Lucinda Miller
Soraya Moncelet
Sofia Montano
Poppy Nowlan
Ines Omodiagbe
Amalia Scherf
Lucy Sheffield
James Snashall
Daniella Sywak
Emma Taoho
Claudia Vales
Eloise Watts
Charlotte Whelan
Jera Wynyard-Byrnes
PPY2
Matilda Backus
Phoebe Bayley
Santi Barker
Vivienne Clements-Lee
Julien Cravero
Lauren Davidson
Vincent Garcia
Jessi Hough
Joseph Ipsaro-Passione
Zoe Jewell
Sienna Klarica
Arabella Kiefer
Isobella Laidlaw
Ellie Lovison
Alex Lusty
Charlie MacArthur
Evie Morwood
Ayesha Peerbaye
Hannah Roberts
Amelia Russel
Roxie Syron
Maggie Teasdale
Mekaila Trippis
Georgia Vincent
Ariana Wolf
2023
Class of 2023
PPY1
Matilda Backus
Santi Barker
Vivienne Clements-Lee
Julien Cravero
Lauren Davidson
Emma Duffy
Vincent Garcia
Joseph Ipsaro-Passione
Zoe Jewell
Arabella Kiefer
Eva Kolak
Isobella Laidlaw
Ellie Lovison
Alexandra Lusty
Charlie MacArthur
Ella Marshall
Evie Morwood
Maya Munro
Ayesha Peerbaye
Hannah Roberts
Amelia Russell
Roxie Syron
Olivia Talevski
Maggie Teasdale
Jye Thompson
Georgia Vincent
Chloe Warwick-Smith
Eva Wells
Ariana Wolf
PPY2
Jannah Allen
Wareya Anuyahong
Paige Carr
Lily Cole
Alisha Douglass
Thomas Evans
Tayla Gartner
Mia Hamilton
Stephanie Hedley
Luella Hogan
Hannah Joseph
Annaliese Macdonald
Lucinda Mann
Layla Meadows
Maya Miller
Lou Lou Mitsis
Zoe O’Bryan
Angus Onley
Sam Osborn
Xanthe Pheeney
Eva Puata
Sabine Roberts
Scout Robinson Gale
Alani Siswoyo
Keisha Sunderland
Laura Taylor
Cameron Turner
Arlie Williams
Ally Young
Rebekah Kennedy
2022
Class of 2022
PPY1
Alani Siswoyo
Alisha Douglass
Ally Young
Angus Onley
Cameron Turner
Chloe White
Cleopatra Pryce
Eliza Flowers
Eva Puata
Hannah Joseph
Heidi Monahan
Holly Fleming
Jannah Allen
Keisha Sutherland
Laura Taylor
Layla Meadows
Lily Cole
Lou Lou Mitsis
Lucinda Mann
Maya Miller
Mia Hamilton
Paige Carr
Rebekah Kennedy
Sabine Roberts
Sam Osborn
Scout Robinson-Gale
Sherylee Campbell
Stephanie Lykissas
Tayla Gartner
Thomas Evans
Wareya Anuyahong
Xanthe Pheeney
Arlie Williams
PPY2
April Stubbs
Sarah Rose
Audrey Goth-Towney
Avalon Ormiston
Carmelita Buay
Charisse Timermanis
Chloe Geary
Cosima Ivy Thorne Torres-Sturt
Emma Lane
Emma Langfield
Bella Ciappara
Josie Cullen
Juliet Collard
Koko Mukai
Lillian Fern
Lucy Tobin
Lucy Angel
Lucinda Young
Luella Hogan
Mairi Armour
Mia Polinelli
Pip Keogh
Ronan Armstrong
Rory Neville
Sarah Peressini
Shontaya Smedley
Sofia Chavez-Hyde
Sophia Fell
Stefani Lois
2021
PPY1
Lucy Angel
Ronan Armstrong
Ruby Brazzalotto
Carmelita Buay
Sofia Chavez Hyde
Isabella Ciappara
Lillian Fearn
Sophia Fell
Amy Gallery
Maci-Grace Johnson
Jonah Johnston
Phillipa Keogh
Stefani Lois
Summer McGee
Gavin Mills
Koko Mukai
Mia Polinelli
Erin Shackcloth
Katie Shawsmith
Shontaya Smedley
April Stubbs
Charisse Timermanis
Lucy Tobin
Jessica Vongphachan
Rory Warne
Luci Young
PPY2
Jackson Biala
Lily Boston
Sophie Carathanassis
Amy Clisby
Josie Cullen
Nicholas Currie Inns
Lachlan Doherty
Sarah Edwards
Saskia Ellis
Jackson Fisch
Tajuddin Hennessy
Juliet Hoeberigs
Morgan Hurrell
Sophie Jones
Taiga Kita-Leong
Amber Lynch
Siobhan Lynch
Archie Mclean
Jada Narkle
Texas Nixon-Kain
Avalon Ormiston
Hugo Poulet
Sophie Roberts
Christiana Stewart
Isobel Turner
Niki Verrall
Zoe White
Coco Wood
Emily Wray
2020
Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year dancers continued their studies remotely during the period of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 crisis.
Class of 2020
Amber Todd, Narraweena, NSW
Archie Mclean, Melbourne, VIC
Claudia Debenham, Christchurch, NZ
Coco Wood, Ballarat, VIC
Elise Turco, Sydney, NSW
Emily Eather, Nundle, NSW
Emily McMahon, Adelaide, SA
Hugo Poulet, Bundeena, NSW
Isobel Turner, Gladesville, NSW
Jackson Biala, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
Jada Narkle, Perth, WA
Juliet Hoeberigs, Sydney, NSW
Lauren Rutherford, Perth, WA
Lily Boston, Minyon Falls, NSW
Lily Caswell, Gold Coast, QLD
Maddison Paluch, Rooty Hill, NSW
Maycie Spry, Perth, WA
Mia Corfield, Perth, WA
Mia-Clare Cox, Cedar Grove, QLD
Niki Verrall, Sydney, NSW
Patricia Hayes Cavanagh, Canberra, ACT
Remy Rochester, Sydney, NSW
Sabine Crompton-Ward, Hobart, TAS
Saskia Ellis, Woonona, NSW
Sebastian Vidot, Perth, WA
Sophie Carathanassis, Newcastle, NSW
Sophie Jones, Yamba, NSW
Taiga Kita-Leong, Banksia, NSW
2019
Class of 2019
Amy Jordan, Bulli, NSW
Annalise Malachowski, Castle Hill, NSW
Claudia Willimann, Christchurch, NZ
Emma-Jane Tuck, Sydney, NSW
Gabriela Planck, Black Rock, VIC
Holli Di Nardo, Carindale, QLD
Imogen Chen, Rockhampton, QLD
Isaac Clark, Armidale, NSW
Jessica Tonkin, Townsville, QLD/Canberra, ACT
Lauren Rutherford Perth, WA
Lillian Grant, Canberra, ACT
Maddison Weiley, Wallsend, NSW
Mia Corfield, Perth, WA
Nikki Rossendell, Canberra, ACT
Olivia Hadley, Gold Coast, QLD
Opal Russell, Kiama, NSW
Patricia Hayes Cavanagh, Canberra, ACT
Reina Takeuchi, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Remy Rochester, Lane Cove, NSW
Sabine Crompton-Ward, South Hobart, TAS
Sebastian Vidot, Perth, WA
Shalani Wood, Torrensville, SA
Siobhan Lynch, Sydney, NSW
Soleil Harvey, Brisbane, QLD
Telea Jensen, Toowoomba, QLD
Lara Beverley, Newcastle, NSW
2018
Class of 2018
Georgia Adelt, Brisbane QLD
Trae Allen, Moree NSW
Georgie Bailey, Airlie Beach, North QLD
Alexander Borg, Sydney, NSW
Nicholas Caldwell, Orange, NSW
Isaac Clark, Armidale, NSW
Brielle De Thomasis, Mackay, QLD
Holli Di Nardo, Brisbane, QLD
Eugenie English, Geelong, VIC
Lillian Grant, Canberra, ACT
Katya Gray, Freshwater NSW
Mia Gruzin, Sydney, NSW
Pia Hagberg, Sydney, NSW
Charlotte Hoppe-Smith, Clovelly, NSW
Jacinta Janik, Bonny Hills, NSW
Austin Kelly, Toowoomba, QLD
Brianna Leary, Wellington, NZ
Madeline Maxwell, Avalon Beach, NSW
Bridget McAllister, Mackay, QLD
Sarah McCarthy, Toowoomba, QLD
Keia Mcgrady, Ipswich, QLD
Taylor Seymour, Toowoomba, QLD
Brianna Shahin, Menai, NSW
Georgia Taylor, Sydney, NSW
Celine Tricarcio, Berwich, VIC
Taite Williams, Sydney, NSW
Our Pre-Professional Year 2018 dancers performed in Narrabeen, a film by acclaimed choreographer and filmmaker Sue Healey. Watch the film here.
2017
Class of 2017
Claire Abaijah-Griffin, QLD
Scarlett Atkins, QLD
Georgie Bailey, QLD
Jasmine Bard, NSW
Lana Barone, SA
Alexander Borg, NSW
Brad Carter, NZ
Brielle De Thomasis, QLD
Francesca Fenton, NSW
Marni Green, NSW
Beatrice Jackson, SA
Jessica Johns, NZ
Ashley Joppich, QLD
Cody Lavery, QLD
Gabrielle Martin, TAS
Aaron Matheson, NSW
Alex Mencinsky, NSW
Mason Peronchik, NSW
Harry Pohl, VIC
Rebecca Sawyer, NSW
Lilly Smith, QLD
Cooper Terry, SA
Laura Vlasic, QLD
Ashley Walsh, NSW
Cassidy Waters, NSW
Chloe Young, QLD
2016
Class of 2016
Bridgette Blake, Vic
Isabella Bonanno, NSW
Maxine Carlisle, NSW
Izzac Carroll, NSW
Jasmine Clement, Qld
Eliza Cooper, NSW
Courteney Cox, SA
Aidan Daley, NSW
Hannah Evans, NSW
Jessica Failli, Vic
Alexandra Graham, NSW
Emma Grill, NSW
Amber Jackson, NSW
Hayley Kelly, NT
Emalyn Knight, QLD
Jasmin Lancaster, NSW
Cody Lavery, QLD
Shayarne Matheson, QLD
Lisa McLaughlan,NZ
Alex Mencinsky, NSW
Emily Molnar, SA
Mikayla Nangle, NSW
Isabella De Santis, NSW
Cooper Terry, SA
Montana Tomkyns, Qld
Strickland Young, NZ
2015
Class of 2015
Noah Beck, WA
Marlo Benjamin, NSW
Chelsea Brewer, NZ
Izzac Carroll, NSW
Isabella De Santis, NSW
Tyrel Dulvarie, QLD
Nelson Earl, NSW
Hannah Evans, ACT
Jessica Goodfellow, NSW
Viola Iida, NSW
Hannah Kelly, NSW
Olivia Kingston, NSW
Caitlin McKay, NSW
Chris Misfud, SA
Mana Ogawa, NSW
Christen Patinyotis, VIC
Sophie Raper, NSW
Oliver Savariego, NSW
Strickland Young, NZ
2014
Class of 2014
Class of 2014
Angela Walker, Taree, NSW
Christen Patinyotis, Essendon, VIC
Daniel Russell, Umina, NSW
Emma Moran, Avalon Beach, NSW
Isaac Di Natale, Essendon, VIC
Isabella Ostermann, Newcastle, NSW
Jason Fuchs, Kingsford, NSW
Jocelyn Ballantyne, Carlton North, VIC
Josephine Weise, Harvey Bay, QLD
Kate Arber, Toodyay, WA
Kelsey Smith, Newcastle, NSW
Kristina Wallbank-Hutton, Dulwich Hill, NSW
Laura Wood, Bellbowrie, QLD
Leah Marojevic, St. Ives, NSW
Luke Mangraviti, Dee Why, NSW
Maxime Hexter, Carlton North, VIC
Nicholas Tredrea, Auckland, New Zealand
Olivia Kingston, Uki, NSW
Olympia Kotopoulos, Randwick, NSW
Phillipa Mills, Port Macquarie, NSW
Sam Young-Wright, Wanniassa, ACT
Stephanie Fernandez, Castle Hill, NSW
Tara Gower, Monash, ACT
Zachary Lopez, Kallangur, QLD
Pre-Professional Year
Applications for PPY27 are now open
If you’d like to learn more about Pre-Professional Year click below for the 2027 Prospectus.
For any further questions, email training@sydneydancecompany.com.
10 Years of the Pre-Professional Year
Since its inception over a decade ago, The Pre-Professional Year program has seen hundreds of young dancers develop their skills and graduate into incredible emerging artists.
To celebrate this important milestone, in 2024 we sat down with Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Head of Training Linda Gamblin and five PPY alumni to learn about their experiences and how this program was brought to life.
The Pre-Professional Year Program
Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance Company is at the forefront of contemporary dance, both in Australia and internationally.
As a Pre-Professional Year dancer, being immersed in this environment enables the young dancer to cultivate an inquisitive mind and sophisticated movement.
With Linda Gamblin, Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Training, at the helm, the Pre-Professional Year is designed as a one or two year program providing both unparalleled industry experience and a vocational qualification .
Pre-Professional Year dancers work with numerous national and international contemporary choreographers and industry specialists each year who offer a variety of unique movement philosophies and techniques to enhance training and development.
The knowledge and skills shared by these artists and educators gives the PPY dancers an opportunity refine and develop their technique and performance skills while working and collaborating with prominent members of the performing arts industry. Focus on collaboration nourishes inclusiveness within the group and strengthens the ability and efficacy of the individual dancer. Exploring a variety of strategies to embrace varied processes cultivates emotional intelligence and analytical thinking.
Dancers in the Pre-Professional Year work towards completing CUA60120 – Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) over two years, with the option to finish after one year with a CUA51520 – Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO# 45863). Sydney Dance Company will monitor students’ progression throughout the course and ensure national requirements for training and assessing are met. Nationally recognised courses ensure a standard of excellence.
Dancers work and learn together through a holistic training and assessment framework made up of five key focus areas. The units of competency of each of the qualifications are contextualised within these focus areas.
I. INDUSTRY: Investigating current trends and industry infrastructure focus the dancer on becoming job-ready by implementing a critical approach in shaping the future of dance.
II. TECHNIQUE: Cultivating sceptical and empirical enquiry into a variety of contemporary and classical techniques develops a deeper understanding of how awareness drives sophisticated deliberate movement.
III. CONDITIONING: Personal and physical development, self-efficacy and resilience are brought to the forefront of training. This focus area includes injury prevention, applied anatomy and physiology for dancers, along with nutrition and wellbeing.
IV. CHOREOGRAPHY
Exploring creative play, choreographic skills and scored and structured improvisation enhance leadership skills to work in a professional, co-creative, collaborative environment. Studio showings of works in progress occur regularly throughout each term.
V. PERFORMANCE: To contextualise, refine and redefine movement and performance qualities in the many rehearsals and performances throughout the year cultivates professionalism. Artistry is revealed through experimentation, informative feedback and debrief sessions. Dance on stage and screen, workplace health and safety and other essential aspects of performance are explored within this focus area.
Answers to common questions about performances, classes and programs at Sydney Dance Company.
Contact us if you have any further questions that aren’t answered here.
The first round of auditions for Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year 2025 will be an online application process, which includes video submission.
Successful first round applicants will receive an invitation to a second round.
Dancers aged 18 to 24 make up the cohort of the Pre-Professional Year. Younger or older applicants are encouraged to contact us prior to applying by emailing training@sydneydancecompany.com
We encourage applicants for the Pre-Professional Year to have an intermediate level of Classical Ballet, compelling competency in own genre or style, certificate IV level of dance education or equivalent and Australian or New Zealand citizenship or an appropriate residency visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the program (Sydney Dance Company cannot arrange Student Visas).
You are not required to complete full-time training prior to joining the Pre-Professional Year. Dancers selected to join the program demonstrate maturity and the ability to work collaboratively in a co-creative environment. The Pre-Professional Year program allows every dancer to gain the most out of each learning experience and nurture their individual growth.
Pre-Professional Year dancers are a blend of high school leavers, full-time dance students and university graduates. The spectrum of age cultivates respect, mindfulness, maturity and the acceptance of a variety of diverse histories. This both reflects the industry and emulates a company-like environment.
Hours are 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, following the NSW school term dates.
Most days start with technique or conditioning classes ranging from yoga, Pilates and classical ballet to contemporary techniques and improvisation. Working with the core team of educators on a regular basis enables focused learning with attention on biomechanics, self-awareness, inquisitive thinking and technical efficiency.
The second part of the day is dedicated to workshops or choreographic development with both Australian and international guest choreographers and industry specialists.
Each workshop or choreographic development runs for 1-3 weeks. This time allows dancers to increase their technical skills and develop the self-awareness required for a co-creative working space. The focus on collaboration nourishes inclusivity within the group and strengthens the efficacy of the individual.
Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year offers two nationally recognised training qualifications through a specialised curriculum tailored to global industry standards. These qualifications provide dancers with essential tools for a sustainable career in dance.
Pre-Professional Year dancers will complete CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the first year of training and CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) in the second year. Dancers will also receive Sydney Dance Company's Pre-Professional Year Certificate of Graduation.
Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO # 45863).
Classes include classical ballet, contemporary and biomechanics, yoga, Pilates, repertoire, improvisation, creative task work, mindfulness and resilience, conditioning.
Other areas covered include: funding and project development, performance skills, goal setting, choreographic development, industry research and dance on film.
The Pre-Professional Year program culminates in a production season at a theatre in Sydney, where the Pre-Professional Year dancers perform commissioned works by Australian and international choreographers. Throughout the year informal performances and artist talks will take place in Sydney Dance Company’s black box theatre in Studio 5: the Neilson Studio.
Other performance opportunities may arise where Pre-Professional Year dancers are employed to represent Sydney Dance Company in local and in-house engagements as well as various commissions and public events.
Scholarship opportunities are available by application to those who have accepted the offer to participate in Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year. Fee scholarships are made available thanks to generous support provided by private donors. Scholarship applications are means-tested and are assessed by Sydney Dance Company’s Review Panel on a case-by-case basis.
No improvisation experience is required to get into the Pre-Professional Year. Our improvisation workshops are facilitated by guest improvisation artists in an inclusive and process-based learning environment. Improvisation allows dancers of any background to gain better awareness of their practice. It provides tools for extending the physical ability and allows dancers to unleash their unique creative voice.
Improvisation is an integral component of contemporary dance which is used in choreographic processes, open auditions, professional training and warm-up classes.
No, the PPY program integrates technical growth every day. Through classes and workshops, from classical ballet to floorwork and partnering, PPY provides both the challenges and the support required to achieve your personal goals in dance.
Teaching Staff
Linda Gamblin
Head of Training
Linda Gamblin trained at The Royal Ballet School (London) before performing soloist and principal roles with The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the National Ballet of Portugal and Sydney Dance Company. Alongside her international performing career, Linda developed specialist expertise in Pilates, anatomy and biomechanics, completing a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology (UK). This foundation informs her distinctive approach to classical and contemporary dance training, integrating functional movement awareness with artistic excellence. Her ongoing professional development in mindfulness, psychology and mental health continues to shape her commitment to safe, sustainable and emotionally intelligent learning environments.
As Head of Training, Linda pioneered Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program in 2014, establishing a forward-thinking model that embodies the lived demands of the industry. Grounded in holistic, inclusive and rigorous pedagogical practice, this model supports the artistic, physical and psychological development of young dancers and now underpins all advanced training at Sydney Dance Company, including the company’s nationally accredited Teacher Training Program.
Linda holds the CUA60113 Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance), CUA50311 Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, CUA40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology UK and current First Aid and Mental Health First Aid certificates.
Omer Backley-Astrachan
Pre-Professional Year Program Manager
Omer Backley-Astrachan is a choreographer and educator with a diverse artistic background. As a performer, Omer has worked with leading companies and choreographers including Kamea Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Idan Cohen Dance Company, Jerusalem Dance Theatre, Marina Abramović, Mel O’Callaghan, Kay Armstrong, Dean Walsh, Sue Healey and Joshua Thomson.
Over the past decade, Omer has been working at the heart of Australia’s arts industry. He continuously engages with local dance organisations such as Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, Dance Makers Collective, and FORM Dance Projects, all of whom play a role in supporting his work and the development of his practice.
Omer has created four full-length works, including Rhapsody, Valley, TOHU, and Common Place presenting in Australia and internationally. His body of work has been supported by organisations such as Create NSW, Ausdance NSW, Bundanon Trust and BrandX, among others.
In 2018, Backley-Astrachan was appointed Course Coordinator at Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year (PPY), where, for five years, he mentored the next generation of leading dance creatives in Australia. During this time, he created two major works with the PPY dancers, including Fugue (2020) with composer Jane Sheldon and Folk (2021) for their Carriageworks season.
From 2023 to 2026, Omer served as Producer and Associate Artist with Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub. In this role, he collaborated closely with the organisation to support and strengthen the independent dance sector across regional and metropolitan contexts.
In 2026, he returned to Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year as Program Manager, continuing his commitment to education, mentorship, and sector development.
Juliette Barton
Training Associate
Juliette Barton is an industry specialist in contemporary dance and related physical practices. With a performance career spanning over 20 years, she has worked with an extensive array of choreographers including Rafael Bonachela, Alexander Ekman, Jacopo Godani, Emanuel Gat, Russell Maliphant, Andonis Foniadakis, Gideon Obarzanek, Gabrielle Nankivell, Adam Linder and Keneth Kvanstrom. Juliette was a Company dancer at Sydney Dance Company for 12 years, with her final performance in 2021.
Throughout her career, Juliette has performed to critical acclaim across Australia and the globe including in New York, London, Germany, France, Russia, China, Korea, Columbia, Brazil, and Chile.
As a choreographer, Juliette has created solo works for Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed 2014 season, and the Art Gallery NSW Archie Plus program in 2020. As a contemporary dance teacher and coach, Juliette has taught extensively across Australia to professional companies including Sydney Dance Company, Chunky Move and Bangarra Dance Theatre as well as high calibre training institutions including WAAPA, VCA, Transit Dance, National College of Dance, and across all of Sydney Dance Company’s advanced training programs including the Pre-Professional Year (PPY), Professional Intensives, Youth Ensemble and Sydney Dance Company’s Public Dance program.
Juliette acted in the role of Rehearsal Associate at Sydney Dance Company during the Company’s rehearsal and performance of Ohad Naharin’s Decadance. In 2024 Juliette joined Bangarra Dance Theatre for a 6-month sabbatical as Rehearsal Director.
Juliette officially joined Sydney Dance Company’s Advanced Training team as Training Associate in 2022 bringing a wealth of industry and educational experience, combined with a Bachelor of Arts/Dance (WAAPA), a Postgraduate Certificate in Communications (Griffith University), and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116). Juliette is also trained in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.
Todd Sutherland
Training Associate
Todd is an accomplished dancer, teacher, choreographer and arts professional with over two decades of experience across leading performing arts organisations. He trained at The Australian Ballet School, during which time he performed with The Australian Ballet and toured nationally with The Dancers Company.
Todd went on to secure a full-time position with Queensland Ballet, performing leading roles across both classical and contemporary repertoire, before joining Sydney Dance Company. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with Rafael Bonachela on more than 15 original works and performed extensively both nationally and internationally. Touring highlights include Between Breath & Form (New York, Barcelona, London) and 2 One Another, an award-winning production presented across North and South America, Germany, China and Russia.
He has performed works by leading international choreographers, including William Forsythe, Alexander Ekman, Cheng Tsung-lung, Andonis Foniadakis, Stephanie Lake, Melanie Lane and Kristina Chan, among others.
In addition to his performance career, Todd worked as a guest aerial artist with Legs On The Wall, including Lovers for Sydney World Pride (2023). He began his professional journey as an elite artistic gymnast, representing Australia and becoming a Queensland State Champion.
Todd joins the PPY Training Team as Training Associate, bringing his professional performance expertise and teaching experience to the course to provide ballet technique and Sydney Dance Company repertoire training. Todd is also a regular teacher with Sydney Dance Company’s open class program.
Alexandria Panetta
Learning Associate
Alexandria Panetta (Lexy) is a Sydney-based artist, choreographer and academic with a strong interest in dance performance, improvisation, writing and film.
She has completed a Bachelor of Arts, BA Dance and BA Education, BA Arts and Social Sciences, Honours in Dance Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
In 2022, Lexy received a competitive research scholarship to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil in Creative Practice) at UNSW. Her thesis ‘Enacting (Re)Actions: Affect Theory and Embodied Resonance in Improvisational Contemporary Dance and Compositional Pedagogy’ contributes to the educational sphere in NSW and Australia and analyses the core of improvisation; supporting the creative value and potential of choreographic development through improvisational skills.
Lexy works as a passionate academic in both dance and education faculties at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) and continues her aspirations as a dance researcher, incorporating theory, philosophy and practice in her written work. Lexy has been a long-standing tutor and collaborator for The Arts Unit (Department of Education) working in their programs and ensembles.
As the Learning Associate for the Sydney Dance Company, Lexy offers her insights and perspective in educational approaches to dance and creativity. She is passionate about the alignment and application of valued industry skillsets to training and education. Lexy creates and delivers academic resources and content to the Pre-Professional Year.
2026
PPY1
Imogen Adair
Allyssa Cleary
Emilia Considine
Sophie Dang
Saskia Dixon-Valk
Rosie Emslie
Stephanie Engelhardt
Saffron Francis
Amelia Gee
Madison Gill
Molly Griffin
Georgia Hill
Lena Killalea
Sienna Lentini
Gemma Montalbano
Ella Morgan
Tilda Morse
Sofia Ramadge
Tayah Showman
Aurielle Smith
Amy Stone
Amy Wake
Isabella Waldron-Kazas
Lily Woods
PPY2
Larina Bagic
Carly Bugg
Matilda Butterworth
Marcella Corelli
Louis Corry
Xanthe Creighton
Alexandra Dennett
Faith Draeger
Eliza Eather
Miyuki Feng
Maddison Fisher
Amarli Harrison
Kirra Horvath
Eusebio Kamide
Zoe Lewry
Flynn Masterton
Matilda Meidling
Tia Mohajer
Alia Peerbaye
Trinity Taylor-Hric
Lia Williamson
2025
PPY1
Larina Bagic
Emelia Barry
Sage Berude
Carly Bugg
Matilda Butterworth
Marcella Corelli
Louis Corry
Xanthe Creighton
Jade Dawes
Paloma Demetriou
Alexandra Dennett
Faith Draeger
Eliza Eather
Maddison Fisher
Amarli Harrison
Claudia Horan
Kirra Horvath
Zoe Karatenislis
Zoe Lewry
Flynn Masterton
Matilda Meidling
Tia Mohajer
Ella Newman
Rebecca Pavey
Alia Peerbaye
Trinity Taylor-Hric
Lia Williamson
PPY2
Mahalia Adamson
Shoshana Auerbach
Aleisha Brown
Edie Burgess
Astrid Cahill
Alice Collins
Nala Davies
Sophie Donald
Lily Dowley
Grace Fuz
Rose Giunta
Michiko Kogawa
Soraya Moncelet
Sofia Montano
Poppy Nowlan
Ines Omodiagbe
Amalia Scherf
Lucinda Schoeman
Madison Smith
James Snashall
Daniella Sywak
Emma Taoho
Claudia Vales
Eloise Watts
Charlotte Whelan
Jera Wynyard-Byrnes
2024
Class of 2024
PPY1
Mahalia Adamson
Shoshana Auerbach
Izzi Becvarik
Aleisha Brown
Edie Burgess
Astrid Cahill
Alice Collins
Meg Connolly
Nala Davies
Lily Dowley
Zoe Frazer
Grace Fuz
Rose Giunta
Michiko Kogawa
Lucinda Miller
Soraya Moncelet
Sofia Montano
Poppy Nowlan
Ines Omodiagbe
Amalia Scherf
Lucy Sheffield
James Snashall
Daniella Sywak
Emma Taoho
Claudia Vales
Eloise Watts
Charlotte Whelan
Jera Wynyard-Byrnes
PPY2
Matilda Backus
Phoebe Bayley
Santi Barker
Vivienne Clements-Lee
Julien Cravero
Lauren Davidson
Vincent Garcia
Jessi Hough
Joseph Ipsaro-Passione
Zoe Jewell
Sienna Klarica
Arabella Kiefer
Isobella Laidlaw
Ellie Lovison
Alex Lusty
Charlie MacArthur
Evie Morwood
Ayesha Peerbaye
Hannah Roberts
Amelia Russel
Roxie Syron
Maggie Teasdale
Mekaila Trippis
Georgia Vincent
Ariana Wolf
2023
Class of 2023
PPY1
Matilda Backus
Santi Barker
Vivienne Clements-Lee
Julien Cravero
Lauren Davidson
Emma Duffy
Vincent Garcia
Joseph Ipsaro-Passione
Zoe Jewell
Arabella Kiefer
Eva Kolak
Isobella Laidlaw
Ellie Lovison
Alexandra Lusty
Charlie MacArthur
Ella Marshall
Evie Morwood
Maya Munro
Ayesha Peerbaye
Hannah Roberts
Amelia Russell
Roxie Syron
Olivia Talevski
Maggie Teasdale
Jye Thompson
Georgia Vincent
Chloe Warwick-Smith
Eva Wells
Ariana Wolf
PPY2
Jannah Allen
Wareya Anuyahong
Paige Carr
Lily Cole
Alisha Douglass
Thomas Evans
Tayla Gartner
Mia Hamilton
Stephanie Hedley
Luella Hogan
Hannah Joseph
Annaliese Macdonald
Lucinda Mann
Layla Meadows
Maya Miller
Lou Lou Mitsis
Zoe O’Bryan
Angus Onley
Sam Osborn
Xanthe Pheeney
Eva Puata
Sabine Roberts
Scout Robinson Gale
Alani Siswoyo
Keisha Sunderland
Laura Taylor
Cameron Turner
Arlie Williams
Ally Young
Rebekah Kennedy
2022
Class of 2022
PPY1
Alani Siswoyo
Alisha Douglass
Ally Young
Angus Onley
Cameron Turner
Chloe White
Cleopatra Pryce
Eliza Flowers
Eva Puata
Hannah Joseph
Heidi Monahan
Holly Fleming
Jannah Allen
Keisha Sutherland
Laura Taylor
Layla Meadows
Lily Cole
Lou Lou Mitsis
Lucinda Mann
Maya Miller
Mia Hamilton
Paige Carr
Rebekah Kennedy
Sabine Roberts
Sam Osborn
Scout Robinson-Gale
Sherylee Campbell
Stephanie Lykissas
Tayla Gartner
Thomas Evans
Wareya Anuyahong
Xanthe Pheeney
Arlie Williams
PPY2
April Stubbs
Sarah Rose
Audrey Goth-Towney
Avalon Ormiston
Carmelita Buay
Charisse Timermanis
Chloe Geary
Cosima Ivy Thorne Torres-Sturt
Emma Lane
Emma Langfield
Bella Ciappara
Josie Cullen
Juliet Collard
Koko Mukai
Lillian Fern
Lucy Tobin
Lucy Angel
Lucinda Young
Luella Hogan
Mairi Armour
Mia Polinelli
Pip Keogh
Ronan Armstrong
Rory Neville
Sarah Peressini
Shontaya Smedley
Sofia Chavez-Hyde
Sophia Fell
Stefani Lois
2021
PPY1
Lucy Angel
Ronan Armstrong
Ruby Brazzalotto
Carmelita Buay
Sofia Chavez Hyde
Isabella Ciappara
Lillian Fearn
Sophia Fell
Amy Gallery
Maci-Grace Johnson
Jonah Johnston
Phillipa Keogh
Stefani Lois
Summer McGee
Gavin Mills
Koko Mukai
Mia Polinelli
Erin Shackcloth
Katie Shawsmith
Shontaya Smedley
April Stubbs
Charisse Timermanis
Lucy Tobin
Jessica Vongphachan
Rory Warne
Luci Young
PPY2
Jackson Biala
Lily Boston
Sophie Carathanassis
Amy Clisby
Josie Cullen
Nicholas Currie Inns
Lachlan Doherty
Sarah Edwards
Saskia Ellis
Jackson Fisch
Tajuddin Hennessy
Juliet Hoeberigs
Morgan Hurrell
Sophie Jones
Taiga Kita-Leong
Amber Lynch
Siobhan Lynch
Archie Mclean
Jada Narkle
Texas Nixon-Kain
Avalon Ormiston
Hugo Poulet
Sophie Roberts
Christiana Stewart
Isobel Turner
Niki Verrall
Zoe White
Coco Wood
Emily Wray
2020
Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year dancers continued their studies remotely during the period of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 crisis.
Class of 2020
Amber Todd, Narraweena, NSW
Archie Mclean, Melbourne, VIC
Claudia Debenham, Christchurch, NZ
Coco Wood, Ballarat, VIC
Elise Turco, Sydney, NSW
Emily Eather, Nundle, NSW
Emily McMahon, Adelaide, SA
Hugo Poulet, Bundeena, NSW
Isobel Turner, Gladesville, NSW
Jackson Biala, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
Jada Narkle, Perth, WA
Juliet Hoeberigs, Sydney, NSW
Lauren Rutherford, Perth, WA
Lily Boston, Minyon Falls, NSW
Lily Caswell, Gold Coast, QLD
Maddison Paluch, Rooty Hill, NSW
Maycie Spry, Perth, WA
Mia Corfield, Perth, WA
Mia-Clare Cox, Cedar Grove, QLD
Niki Verrall, Sydney, NSW
Patricia Hayes Cavanagh, Canberra, ACT
Remy Rochester, Sydney, NSW
Sabine Crompton-Ward, Hobart, TAS
Saskia Ellis, Woonona, NSW
Sebastian Vidot, Perth, WA
Sophie Carathanassis, Newcastle, NSW
Sophie Jones, Yamba, NSW
Taiga Kita-Leong, Banksia, NSW
2019
Class of 2019
Amy Jordan, Bulli, NSW
Annalise Malachowski, Castle Hill, NSW
Claudia Willimann, Christchurch, NZ
Emma-Jane Tuck, Sydney, NSW
Gabriela Planck, Black Rock, VIC
Holli Di Nardo, Carindale, QLD
Imogen Chen, Rockhampton, QLD
Isaac Clark, Armidale, NSW
Jessica Tonkin, Townsville, QLD/Canberra, ACT
Lauren Rutherford Perth, WA
Lillian Grant, Canberra, ACT
Maddison Weiley, Wallsend, NSW
Mia Corfield, Perth, WA
Nikki Rossendell, Canberra, ACT
Olivia Hadley, Gold Coast, QLD
Opal Russell, Kiama, NSW
Patricia Hayes Cavanagh, Canberra, ACT
Reina Takeuchi, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Remy Rochester, Lane Cove, NSW
Sabine Crompton-Ward, South Hobart, TAS
Sebastian Vidot, Perth, WA
Shalani Wood, Torrensville, SA
Siobhan Lynch, Sydney, NSW
Soleil Harvey, Brisbane, QLD
Telea Jensen, Toowoomba, QLD
Lara Beverley, Newcastle, NSW
2018
Class of 2018
Georgia Adelt, Brisbane QLD
Trae Allen, Moree NSW
Georgie Bailey, Airlie Beach, North QLD
Alexander Borg, Sydney, NSW
Nicholas Caldwell, Orange, NSW
Isaac Clark, Armidale, NSW
Brielle De Thomasis, Mackay, QLD
Holli Di Nardo, Brisbane, QLD
Eugenie English, Geelong, VIC
Lillian Grant, Canberra, ACT
Katya Gray, Freshwater NSW
Mia Gruzin, Sydney, NSW
Pia Hagberg, Sydney, NSW
Charlotte Hoppe-Smith, Clovelly, NSW
Jacinta Janik, Bonny Hills, NSW
Austin Kelly, Toowoomba, QLD
Brianna Leary, Wellington, NZ
Madeline Maxwell, Avalon Beach, NSW
Bridget McAllister, Mackay, QLD
Sarah McCarthy, Toowoomba, QLD
Keia Mcgrady, Ipswich, QLD
Taylor Seymour, Toowoomba, QLD
Brianna Shahin, Menai, NSW
Georgia Taylor, Sydney, NSW
Celine Tricarcio, Berwich, VIC
Taite Williams, Sydney, NSW
Our Pre-Professional Year 2018 dancers performed in Narrabeen, a film by acclaimed choreographer and filmmaker Sue Healey. Watch the film here.
2017
Class of 2017
Claire Abaijah-Griffin, QLD
Scarlett Atkins, QLD
Georgie Bailey, QLD
Jasmine Bard, NSW
Lana Barone, SA
Alexander Borg, NSW
Brad Carter, NZ
Brielle De Thomasis, QLD
Francesca Fenton, NSW
Marni Green, NSW
Beatrice Jackson, SA
Jessica Johns, NZ
Ashley Joppich, QLD
Cody Lavery, QLD
Gabrielle Martin, TAS
Aaron Matheson, NSW
Alex Mencinsky, NSW
Mason Peronchik, NSW
Harry Pohl, VIC
Rebecca Sawyer, NSW
Lilly Smith, QLD
Cooper Terry, SA
Laura Vlasic, QLD
Ashley Walsh, NSW
Cassidy Waters, NSW
Chloe Young, QLD
2016
Class of 2016
Bridgette Blake, Vic
Isabella Bonanno, NSW
Maxine Carlisle, NSW
Izzac Carroll, NSW
Jasmine Clement, Qld
Eliza Cooper, NSW
Courteney Cox, SA
Aidan Daley, NSW
Hannah Evans, NSW
Jessica Failli, Vic
Alexandra Graham, NSW
Emma Grill, NSW
Amber Jackson, NSW
Hayley Kelly, NT
Emalyn Knight, QLD
Jasmin Lancaster, NSW
Cody Lavery, QLD
Shayarne Matheson, QLD
Lisa McLaughlan,NZ
Alex Mencinsky, NSW
Emily Molnar, SA
Mikayla Nangle, NSW
Isabella De Santis, NSW
Cooper Terry, SA
Montana Tomkyns, Qld
Strickland Young, NZ
2015
Class of 2015
Noah Beck, WA
Marlo Benjamin, NSW
Chelsea Brewer, NZ
Izzac Carroll, NSW
Isabella De Santis, NSW
Tyrel Dulvarie, QLD
Nelson Earl, NSW
Hannah Evans, ACT
Jessica Goodfellow, NSW
Viola Iida, NSW
Hannah Kelly, NSW
Olivia Kingston, NSW
Caitlin McKay, NSW
Chris Misfud, SA
Mana Ogawa, NSW
Christen Patinyotis, VIC
Sophie Raper, NSW
Oliver Savariego, NSW
Strickland Young, NZ
2014
Class of 2014
Class of 2014
Angela Walker, Taree, NSW
Christen Patinyotis, Essendon, VIC
Daniel Russell, Umina, NSW
Emma Moran, Avalon Beach, NSW
Isaac Di Natale, Essendon, VIC
Isabella Ostermann, Newcastle, NSW
Jason Fuchs, Kingsford, NSW
Jocelyn Ballantyne, Carlton North, VIC
Josephine Weise, Harvey Bay, QLD
Kate Arber, Toodyay, WA
Kelsey Smith, Newcastle, NSW
Kristina Wallbank-Hutton, Dulwich Hill, NSW
Laura Wood, Bellbowrie, QLD
Leah Marojevic, St. Ives, NSW
Luke Mangraviti, Dee Why, NSW
Maxime Hexter, Carlton North, VIC
Nicholas Tredrea, Auckland, New Zealand
Olivia Kingston, Uki, NSW
Olympia Kotopoulos, Randwick, NSW
Phillipa Mills, Port Macquarie, NSW
Sam Young-Wright, Wanniassa, ACT
Stephanie Fernandez, Castle Hill, NSW
Tara Gower, Monash, ACT
Zachary Lopez, Kallangur, QLD
Gallery
