The McDonald College has announced the appointment of BJ Rorke as its new Head of Dance (Performing Arts) from 2026, signalling a dynamic new chapter for one of Australia’s most respected training institutions. Rorke brings more than two decades of industry and educational experience, along with a strong track record of shaping young performers across Australia and New Zealand.
Currently Youth Training Manager at Brent Street, Rorke oversees the Young Performers, Petites and PTP programs. He is also the founder of the influential NXTGEN Project, known for offering authentic industry pathways to aspiring dancers. As the College notes, “BJ joins us with extensive industry and educational experience” and arrives with a reputation for developing dancers who understand both the artistic and professional demands of the field.
Rorke’s choreography credentials span television, commercial and studio work. His contributions to the Arts Unit and his role as a choreographer for the nationally televised Schools Spectacular have cemented his standing as a versatile and imaginative artist. His professional highlights include work on the popular series Dance Academy and collaborations with artists such as Anja Nissen. The College highlights the breadth of his expertise across Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical and Musical Theatre, adding that “he brings a deep passion for nurturing and developing young talent.”
For many in the McDonald College community, the appointment also marks a meaningful homecoming. Rorke is a former student whose early training years were shaped by the very institution he now returns to lead. The College shared, “BJ is also a familiar face to many in our community, having been a McDonald College student himself earlier in his dance journey.”
His tenure will follow the longstanding and respected leadership of Jane Beckett and Michael Hughes, whose work has shaped generations of dancers. The College expresses confidence that Rorke’s vision will further strengthen its national profile and continue its commitment to excellence, stating it looks forward to “the expertise, energy and vision he will bring to the role.”