Marilyn Rowe House is an essential extension of The Australian Ballet School’s training framework, offering a safe, caring, and community-minded environment where young dancers can grow both personally and artistically. Designed in consultation with leading ballet and academic institutions worldwide, the House accommodates up to 30 Australian and international students and provides a supportive base that fosters rest, routine, and connection.
Pastoral care is at the heart of the program: qualified and experienced staff work closely with The Australian Ballet School teachers, the School’s Health & Wellbeing team and Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) educators, to ensure students feel supported, understood, and empowered as they navigate the challenges of living away from home.
Among the young dancers who reside at Marilyn Rowe House is student Scarlett Weaver, who relocated from Sydney to pursue full-time training at The Australian Ballet School in 2025. Moving interstate at a young age is no small step, but Scarlett has quickly become a valued member of the Marilyn Rowe House community, balancing the rigour of studio training and academic studies with new connections and growing independence.
What first inspired you to pursue full-time training at The Australian Ballet School?
I used to be a part-time student (known as ITP or Intra/Interstate & International Training Program) from Level 1 to Level 3. At my old ballet school, I had so many friends who trained here and I watched them grow into the people and dancers they are, which was really inspiring. And a lot of them are still here now, so it's amazing to have them as current role models.
How did it feel arriving at Marilyn Rowe House for the first time?
I wasn't too sure what to expect because, even though I went on the tour, I didn't know much about boarding house life. When my family and I arrived, going into my room and unpacking was really exciting. I was a bit nervous when I realised “oh, this is it. I'm not going to see my family for a while” but then I clicked with other boarders straight away. We have things in common that we can relate to, all being in the same place and having the same passion for dance.
The boarding house staff were so lovely and welcoming! If we need anything, they are happy to help. They made me feel really at home, right from when I stepped through the door.
How has living in the boarding house supported your training and daily routine?
It’s provided a lot of balance. Waking up each day and going to train at The Australian Ballet School is very demanding. So when I come back to the House, I eat dinner, hang out with friends and get time to relax. We have to allow ourselves that time.
How do you like to spend your downtime outside of training?
The staff organise activities like game nights. They're really fun, especially in the first term when we get to learn about the people we are living with.
On the weekends we can go out to the CBD or the shops, or whatever we want to do. On long weekends, if there are people that are staying at the boarding house, the staff organise special activities. We might all go to the city, Chapel Street, the pool, or a big one is going to Yo-Chi together.
What’s your favourite part of living at Marilyn Rowe House?
Being with all of the year levels together at the same time. When you walk into School, we have this connection, it's like we’ve got older and younger siblings. Sometimes at night at the House, after we turn the lights off, we have nice long chats and it's really special.
What’s one thing that surprised you about boarding life?
It’s funny, but I didn't realise how much wardrobe space we'd have! When I arrived, I was like, “wow, I could have brought so much more”. It’s good to know for next year.
I was also surprised at how all the different year levels came together. I thought we'd group up a bit. But everyone wanted to be everyone's friend.
What advice would you give to someone considering boarding at The Australian Ballet School?
I would say at first, you're going to want to be out with everyone all the time. You should do fun things with people, connect with staff and students, but you're going to realise that you also need to take time for yourself.
It's so important, especially during assessments, to take care of yourself. Whether that's reading or having a nice long shower, you need to have that self-care and stay organised.
What parts of School life feel most meaningful to you at this stage?
I'd say when we're in ballet class. Sometimes the teachers will talk more than we dance. All the teachers have said something that's stuck with me. Later on, I'll think about what they said, and it’s something that I really needed to hear. A lot of the teachers have gone through the School and had similar experiences - they've seen so much, and their experience is so valuable.
What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
I just want to learn. I want to take things on and grow. Not only as a not only a dancer, but more importantly, as a person.