WEBSITE
www.acbaustralia.com.au
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
Christine Walsh AM
HISTORY
In 1991, former Australian Ballet ballerina Christine Walsh, AM, founded the school of the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet (ACB) and, using the same name, created a Russian-based 12-year training and examination program. Since its inception, the school's success and its training program have led to the placement of graduate students in international schools and companies, as well as teacher seminars, workshops, study tours, scholarships, ballet productions, international ballet galas, and dance festivals.
In 2018, due to the international scope of the ACB training syllabus, it was renamed Ballet Conservatoire.
STYLES/GENRE
Russian Vaganova-based method.
GRADING/MARKING SYSTEM
Certificate and written report with graded results: Pass 50-59%, Pass Plus 60-69%, Commended 70-79%, Highly Commended 80-89% and Distinction 90% and above. Distinction students receive a medal and can be awarded a two-week study scholarship at ACB headquarters in Melbourne.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
Teachers become provisionally qualified after completing Ballet Conservatoire's Teacher Training Seminar 1, which covers the BC syllabus levels from Pre-Primary to Level 4. After submitting students for exams successfully, the teacher receives full teacher registration and is eligible for Seminar 2 (encompassing Level 5 and Senior Level) and, following this, Seminar 3 (Excellence).
AWARDS AND ACTIVITIES
Ballet Conservatoire Prix
Ballet Conservatoire is excited to introduce the inaugural Ballet Conservatoire Prix in December 2026. This student competition will be an enriching and inspiring week of masterclasses, coaching, and information forums for selected candidates aged 11 to 18 years. Prizes will include scholarships, summer intensives, placements and monetary awards.
Sarah Clisby
Ballet Conservatoire Teacher, International Examiner and Lecturer, School Owner
What do you see as the real value of syllabus training and exams for young dancers?
Syllabus training and examinations provide young dancers with structure, consistency, and a clear sense of direction in their development. A strong syllabus breaks down technique into progressive, achievable stages, ensuring students build solid foundations in physical coordination, musicality, and artistry. It also gives teachers a reliable framework to monitor growth and guide each dancer appropriately.
Examinations serve as checkpoints in a dancer’s journey, providing clear goals that give direction to their training. As they prepare, dancers refine the technical and artistic elements of their work, developing an appreciation for accuracy and presentation. This preparation encourages them to take ownership of their learning and supports the development of discipline, confidence, and resilience. Students begin recognising how consistent effort leads to improvement, developing valuable skills such as perseverance and pride in their progression.
The examination feedback is especially valuable because it offers an objective and professional view of a dancer’s development. In my experience as a teacher and an examiner, this impartial assessment ensures students receive clear, balanced guidance, reflecting their understanding of the work. Consistency across all levels is essential, as it supports steady, long-term development.
In your view, what makes your syllabus distinctive compared to others?
I feel the Ballet Conservatoire syllabus stands out because it builds correct technique from the beginning. There is a strong focus on proper placement, clear coordination, and developing strong, well-supported bodies, giving young dancers a solid base to grow from. Its Vaganova roots also encourage beautiful upper body use and expressive port de bras, allowing artistry to develop naturally, an element sometimes overlooked in other syllabi.
As a teacher, I find the syllabus distinctive because the exam process provides clear, honest, and constructive feedback for both students and teachers. It supports each dancer’s progression while offering teachers valuable professional development, allowing us to continually refine and elevate our practice.
From an examiner’s perspective, the structured design of the syllabus promotes fairness and clarity, allowing every dancer to be assessed on the same foundations. This ensures feedback remains reliable, transparent, and genuinely helpful for their progression.
How is your syllabus preparing dancers for the future of the artform and the profession?
As this syllabus develops strong, capable dancers from the very start of their training, by the time they pursue a professional career they already have a well-rounded foundation that allows for a smooth, confident transition into the industry. They often stand out not only for their strength and artistry, but also for their discipline and attention to detail.
Most professional ballet companies teach daily classes in the Russian style because of its strength and performance quality, so introducing students to this approach early truly sets them up for success. This is exactly why, when I founded my school, Elite Academy of Ballet, I chose this syllabus, because it aligns perfectly with the standards and expectations of the professional world.