Founded in the UK in 1930 by Edouard Espinosa, the organisation established its Australasian branch in Sydney in 1936. Espinosa had previously been a founding member of the Association of Operatic Dancers, which later became the Royal Academy of Dance, before establishing the British Ballet Organization in 1929.
Now known as bbodance, the organisation operates internationally as an awarding body offering multi-genre syllabi, teacher training, membership opportunities and events across Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre and AcroDancer.
To mark the anniversary, bbodance is offering 90 eligible dance teachers across Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to join its global community of Registered Teachers for the remainder of 2026 for $90.
Registered Teacher membership includes access to examination and assessment pathways across the organisation’s six syllabus genres, as well as teaching resources, safeguarding support and continuing professional development opportunities.
Members can also access discounted online courses and recordings, become Host Dance Schools for teaching assistants working towards a Level 3 Certificate, and enter students for bbodance’s Dance Theatre Awards.
The 90th anniversary also recognises the long relationship between bbodance and generations of dancers and teachers throughout Australasia. The organisation is inviting current and former members, students and friends to share memories, achievements and details of upcoming events as part of the celebrations.
bbodance Patron Gillian Revie described the milestone as a tribute to the dancers and educators who have contributed to the organisation’s history.
“Celebrating 90 years of bbodance in Australasia is a tribute to the dancers and educators who have shaped its remarkable legacy,” Revie said. “It is a pleasure to acknowledge an organisation whose artistry, discipline, and significant contribution to ballet’s history continue to guide the artists who follow in its footsteps.”
Fellow Patron Martin James, who continues to teach and travel regularly between Australia and New Zealand, also congratulated the organisation on the anniversary.
“Congratulations big time for the bbodance celebration of 90 years in Australasia,” James said. “What an amazing achievement!”
He added that he continues to work across both countries, including with the Alberta Ballet School auditions and as a judge for the Australian Grand Prix in Sydney.
The anniversary comes as bbodance continues to expand its work across teacher training, professional development and multi-genre dance education, while maintaining its longstanding links with teachers and schools across Australia and New Zealand.
The special $90 Registered Teacher offer is available to 90 eligible teachers across Australia and New Zealand for the remainder of 2026.