Life Academy: Live

Die-hard Dance Academy fans — this one’s for you.

Former on-screen rivals turned real-life best friends, Dena Amy Kaplan and Alicia Banit, are bringing their hit podcast, Life Academy, to Sydney Dance Company for a special live event.

Join them in the very place where Dance Academy was filmed and captured the hearts of fans around the world—from the iconic water balloon fight on the stairs to Sammy and Abigail’s first kiss and the unforgettable moment Tara broke her leg.

Featuring surprise special guests, audience participation, a meet and greet, and 90 minutes of candid conversations, behind-the-scenes stories and nostalgic memories, this is your chance to experience Life Academy: Live! 

Please note this venue has unallocated seating.

Settle in as Dena and Alicia host Life Academy: Live at Sydney Dance Company.

Returning to the iconic location where Dance Academy was filmed, this dynamic duo reunites for their very first live Life Academy event. Expect 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes stories, heartfelt conversations and plenty of laughs.

The event will be a seated, panel event running for approximately 90 minutes from 6:30pm – 8pm.

A short meet and greet will be held before the show, giving you and your friends the opportunity to meet Dena and Alicia!

Very limited spots are available, and only available to guests with the meet & greet ticket option. Tickets will be checked at the door.

The meet and greet runs from 4pm – 5:30pm.

In Life Academy, Dena and Alicia share their crazy stories from the very beginning, being friends before the show exploded, their time in LA, stories from Alicia’s childhood acting gigs to Dena’s adventures as a professional dancer turned DJ who rocked Coachella.

But Life Academy isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of showbiz. As new mothers, Dena and Alicia dive into the challenges and joys of motherhood, discussing their personal journeys with mental health, and wellness tips for navigating life’s ups and downs.

With their audience growing alongside them, they aim to tackle the topics that matter most to their fans, offering a mix of nostalgia and new insights and most of all vulnerable, relatable authenticity.

So whether you’re a die-hard Dance Academy fan or just looking for some real talk about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, tune in to Life Academy for candid conversations, heartfelt discussions, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Get ready to enrol in the school of life with Dena and Alicia as your guides.

Each episode will contain a life lesson to take home – and maybe some homework too.

Alicia Banit is an Australian actress and creative storyteller whose career began in childhood and has flourished across film, television, and stage. Best known for her breakout role as Kat in Dance Academy, Alicia’s work captures vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Since becoming a mum, Alicia has embraced a new chapter and brings her audience along for the ride – sharing the joys, challenges, and everyday moments of motherhood with honesty and heart.

Dena Amy is a true chameleon of the arts – a DJ, actress, dancer, producer, entrepreneur, and makeup artist. Recognised for her breakout role as Abigail in dance academy, her career has taken her from acting to performing on global stages and touring with Rüfüs Du Sol.

She’s the founder of the dance company TWERK AFTER WERK and the self retreat, blending movement and mindfulness to create community. Her digital presence is a visual diary of music, motherhood, mental health, interiors, and skincare – an extension of the creative, expressive life she shares so openly with her audience.

Life Academy: Live! will be held at Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company.

How to get there
Public transport is the best way to get to Sydney Dance Company. Barangaroo metro station is the closest public transport hub.

Train & Metro
Sydney Dance Company is a short, 8-minute walk from Barangaroo metro station or a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations.

Bus services
Buses 324 and 325 run from the CBD to the precinct, with stops just outside the Studios. For details please visit  Transport NSW or telephone 131 500.

Parking
While on-street metered parking is available at the precinct, we recommend parking at the following parking stations located along Hickson Road:
● Bond One, 26 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
● Barangaroo Point Car Park, entry via Hickson Road
● Barangaroo Reserve, 5 Towns Place, Barangaroo

More Information
For more information about the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company, please contact our Box Office via phone 9221 4811 or email at boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com.