When Brisbane-born dancer Ed Cooley stepped into the Junior Company of De Nationale Opera & Het Nationale Ballet in the Netherlands this year, it marked the next step in an already extraordinary journey. Just two years earlier, he had been awarded the Bronze Medal at the 2023 Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, followed by representing Australia at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in 2024.
For Cooley, the seeds of this path were sown at Queensland College of Dance (QCD), where he trained from the age of 12. “My best memory from my full-time training is a bittersweet one,” he recalls. “On my last day at Queensland College of Dance, one of my beautiful teachers Mrs C, made me a cake to say goodbye. It was a moment of happy and sad tears to celebrate the seven years I had spent in that studio that I will always call home. It is one of those memories I will always cherish.”
Former teacher and QCD Director Rosanna Castellana describes him as “an exceptional student … consistently standing out for his remarkable work ethic and dedication to his classical ballet training.” She adds: “His commitment and talent were further recognised when he represented QCD at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in 2024—a testament to his dedication and ability. Ed was never afraid to step outside his comfort zone, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm … his discipline, humility, and drive made him not only a high achiever but also a deeply valued member of the QCD community.”
That humility is evident when asked about lessons learned. “I wouldn’t say there is one main overall lesson I learnt. Over the years I have learnt so much and still have so much more to learn. One thing I do stand by is that no one will do the work for you. At the end of the day you must do it yourself and be willing to do it. I did also learn that your teachers and peers, especially mine, will always be there for you—throughout my training at Queensland College of Dance and now after.”
Like many young dancers, he confronted the sheer physicality of training. “I think as most people know ballet is very physically demanding not just on the body but also on the mind. I love ballet so much and that is the only way I cope. I love how every day is different, I love the work and the process and that is so important to me.”
Learning how to balance that demand with recovery became essential. “The one quality would be learning how to enjoy your downtime. Downtime and rest are so important as a dancer and it is a crucial part of your recovery. Learning to enjoy this time can be difficult but it is about finding a good balance between the hard work and the rest. Because of this I can give more energy and effort to my dancing every day and progress faster.”
He credits the QCD community with shaping both his artistry and character. “Being at Queensland College of Dance from when I was 12, you tend to learn a lot. I did not only develop my ballet technique, but I made lifelong friendships with not just my friends but also my teachers.”
That community also helped him navigate artistic challenges. “Whenever I had to perform a sad piece when I was younger it was a bit harder for me. I loved ballet and dancing so much that I would just start smiling out of pure joy. With my training at Queensland College of Dance I was able to discover and learn how to express those sadder, more mature roles through my technique and performance.”
Even now, at the beginning of a professional career in Europe, his passion remains unchanged. “I have always had such big love and passion for ballet. You could say it has grown over the years with the more repertoire I have rehearsed and performed but I still have that same love and passion as I did when I started.”
And for those considering full-time study, he offers one clear piece of advice: “Just stay in your own lane. You can be inspired or challenged by other people but try not to compare to the point of being discouraging. I’m always inspired by the people around me and the people I look up to.”
From Brisbane studios to one of the great European stages, Ed Cooley’s story is marked by focus, resilience and an enduring love of the art form. As he begins his career with Het Nationale Ballet’s Junior Company, the foundation built at Queensland College of Dance continues to underpin his growth as both an artist and a young professional.