Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Address

MOUNT LAWLEY WA

Mailing Address

Phone
134 ECU (134 328)

Fax

Contact

ABN

Courses
We offer three consecutive years of full-time ballet OR contemporary focused training. Each
pathway allows the student to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Dance).
Entry for all courses is by audition.
Bachelor of Arts (Dance)
ECU Course Code T73
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) - LINK Dance Company
ECU Course Code W92
CUA51520 Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
ECU Course Code C78
CUA60120 Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance)
ECU Course Code C79
RTO Code. 4756 - CRICOS IPC 00279B
Description
Creativity, performance excellence, intensive training and classroom practice are central to the
philosophy of the Dance department at WAAPA.
WAAPA offers vocational and degree programs, offering students the choice of either a ballet or a contemporary dance career pathway. VET ballet students can transfer to BA (Dance) degree in their third year of study.
The training environment is inclusive. WAAPA dance staff encourage performance and academic excellence, their commitment to coaching, mentoring and pastoral care supports healthy student engagement.
Students have opportunities to work with national and international visiting artists. Professional placement, international exchange programs and three performance seasons per year, ensure that our graduates are industry ready. WAAPA dance graduates have become renowned performers and creators, leaders in community arts and advocates for equitable arts practice.
Main Subjects
Contemporary and allied techniques, Classical Ballet, Performance, Pas de deux/duo, Choreography, and Body conditioning/fitness.
Contact Hours
Bachelor, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses: 35 - 40 hrs. All dance programs are full time, intensive and performance based. Honours: 18 hrs p/w plus intensive rehearsal and performance.
Teachers
Dr. Susan Peacock (Course Coordinator/Lecturer), Justin Rutzou (Coordinator, Contemporary Dance), Kim McCarthy (Coordinator, Classical Dance), Andries Weidemann (Lecturer, Classical Dance), Michael Whaites (Lecturer and Artistic Director of LINK Dance Company), Dr. Joanna Nicholas, Kynan Hughes.
Auditions Date
Application Deadline 9th September 2025
Perth 9th October (Diploma & Advanced Diploma)
Perth 10th October (Bachelor of Arts)
Australia wide auditions for dance programs (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor of Arts) will take place in major centres:
30/09 - Brisbane
01/10 - Sydney
02/10 - Canberra
03/10 - Melbourne
04/10 - Adelaide
Bachelor Performing Arts (Honours) LINK Dance Company:
Perth Audition 20th Sept (Course Code: W92)
Application Deadline 28th August 2025
Scholarship or Subsidies
Some scholarships are available via application once accepted into the course.
Graduate Placements
Sydney Dance Company, Australian Dance Theatre, Australasian Dance Collective, West Australian Ballet, Singapore Ballet.