In January 2026, Brisbane will become a gateway to the world of dance. From 16 to 18 January, Promenade Dance Studio in Kedron will host the Australian edition of GCDANCEVENTS International Auditions, a three-day opportunity for dancers to be seen by directors and representatives from some of the most respected companies and academies across the globe.
The event will welcome leaders from Houston Ballet, Houston Ballet II and Houston Ballet Academy, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ballet de Monterrey and its Studio Company, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet de Barcelona, and others represented by GCDANCEVENTS. The distinguished jury includes Julie Kent (Artistic Director, Houston Ballet), Yosvani Ramos (Artistic Director, Ballet de Monterrey), and Ty King-Wall (Artistic Director, Royal New Zealand Ballet). Together, they will assess dancers across three days of masterclasses, coaching and formal auditions designed to reveal not only technical skill but also individuality and artistic potential.
For many Australian dancers, distance has long posed a barrier to being seen by international companies. Traditionally, auditions meant costly overseas travel or limited digital submissions. GCDANCEVENTS aims to change that. Founded in 2019 by Italian-born former professional dancer Giuseppe Canale, the agency was conceived to bring the world to the dancer, creating an environment that values the whole artist rather than the brief impression of a traditional open audition.
Canale’s vision stems from his own experience navigating the global audition circuit. “Having gone through countless auditions myself, I wanted to create an environment where dancers can present their full artistry without fear of being cut after the barre,” he explains. Since its inception, the agency has presented audition events in Italy, Japan, the Philippines and Argentina, assisting more than 1,000 dancers each year in securing placements with international schools and companies. Its model has led to over 500 professional and pre-professional opportunities annually, including 23 company contracts, 19 apprenticeships and 12 production engagements with major institutions.
The upcoming Brisbane auditions will follow a structured three-day format. The first two days will be dedicated to masterclasses with visiting directors, offering participants the chance to experience different teaching styles and artistic approaches while receiving feedback in real time. The final day will consist of a full audition class and solo presentations before the international panel. Dancers aged 14 and above may apply, with opportunities spanning company contracts, apprenticeships and academy placements.
Canale believes the audition process begins long before the dancer steps into the studio. “Precision and clarity start with your very first email,” he says. “Be yourself. Don’t imitate other dancers you see on social media. Express your art and your feelings through your dancing, and let the jury see it.”
His advice extends to the often-overlooked administrative details. “Keep your CV to one or two pages, film clear full-body videos with good lighting and a neutral background, and write a short, personal message to the company you’re applying for,” he suggests. “Generic copy-and-paste emails tell directors you haven’t taken the time to understand what makes their company unique.”
Mental preparation, he adds, is just as vital as technical readiness. “We don’t talk enough about the mental side of auditions,” he says. “Dance is beautiful but difficult, and the pressure can be intense. Try to stay present. Focus on what you can control, your performance, your breathing, your joy in movement. It’s better to do one fewer pirouette with control than one too many and lose your balance.”
In an age dominated by digital content, Canale also encourages dancers to engage thoughtfully with social media. “Technology has made the dance world smaller, but comparison can be dangerous,” he reflects. “It’s easy to feel inadequate when scrolling through curated highlights. Used wisely, social media can be a tool for learning and inspiration. The key is to keep perspective and focus on your own growth.”
GCDANCEVENTS works with institutions across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific. Its mission is not only to facilitate connections but to nurture understanding between dancers and directors. “Technique and musicality are essential, but directors also look for someone who fits their company’s personality,” Canale explains. “Politeness, attentiveness and the ability to take correction quickly can make all the difference. Sometimes a director will choose a less technically advanced dancer because they bring the right energy into the room.”
With the Australian audition series, GCDANCEVENTS adds a new continent to its growing international network. Canale hopes this expansion will become an annual fixture, deepening ties between Australian dancers and the global community. “Australia produces remarkable talent,” he says. “Our goal is to ensure that young dancers here can be seen, supported and guided towards international careers without having to travel halfway around the world.”
Event Details
Dates: 16–18 January 2026
Venue: Promenade Dance Studio, 26 Glentanna St, Kedron, QLD 4031, Australia
Participating Organisations: Houston Ballet, Houston Ballet II, Houston Ballet Academy, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ballet de Monterrey, Ballet de Monterrey Studio Company, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet de Barcelona, and additional companies represented by GCDANCEVENTS.
Eligibility: Dancers aged 14+ seeking academy placements, apprenticeships or company contracts.
More information: www.gcdanceevents.com