Specialised Ballet Coaching for Boys

Discover the journey of Lachlan Monaghan, Principal Dancer at Birmingham Royal Ballet and The McDonald College alumnus.

“If I hadn’t come to The McDonald College, my career wouldn’t exist.

Lachlan Monaghan – Principal Dancer at Birmingham Royal Ballet

The McDonald College has a rich history of nurturing male ballet dancers. Our unique approach balances academic and artistic training in a safe environment that supports every dancer’s needs.

1. World-Class Ballet Training

At The McDonald College, students receive exceptional training from renowned ballet professionals. Our specialised male ballet program nurtures young male dancers, ensuring they have the foundation to succeed in national and international ballet careers.

2. Balanced Academic and Performance Excellence

We believe in holistic development. Alongside ballet training, students pursue academic education to the HSC level, ensuring they excel both on stage and in the classroom. This balance allows them to keep all future career options open, whether in dance or other fields.

3. Access to Industry Leaders

Our students train with guest teachers and choreographers from world-leading ballet companies, including The Australian Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and The Royal Ballet. These mentors offer invaluable insights and connections within the professional ballet world.

4. Multiple Performance Opportunities

We offer multiple performance opportunities to our students throughout the year, including a full-length ballet production such as Giselle, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, an Evening of Classical Ballet, High Performance Week and much more.

5. Proven Track Record of Success

Our students regularly win or become finalists in elite dance competitions, including the Alana Haines Awards, Youth America Grand Prix and The Prix de Lausanne. Our alumni have graced the stages of the most prestigious ballet companies around the globe. The McDonald College’s consistent track record of producing elite dancers speaks to the quality of our programs and faculty.

6. Supportive and Inspiring Environment

We foster a community where students feel inspired to reach their potential. With small class sizes, personalised attention, and state-of-the-art facilities, dancers are guided to achieve their best physically and mentally.

Senior Classical Ballet Stream - Swan Lake — Image credit: Winkipop

McDonald College Sydney Eisteddfod Winner Henry Burgess — Image credit: BWP Studios

Meet our guest teachers

Alongside our renowned faculty, who bring years of experience and passion to the classroom, our students are taught by some of the finest ballet professionals in the world. Our guest teachers, hailing from prestigious ballet companies such as The Australian Ballet, Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, help shape the future careers of our dancers through specialised, high-quality instruction, offering expert guidance and insight, particularly in male training.

Adam Bull

Former Principal Artist with The Australian Ballet

Matthew Slattery

Former Second Soloist with Boston Ballet

Former Soloist with Royal New Zealand Ballet

Danilo Radojevic

Former Principal with American Ballet Theatre

Former Principal Guest Artist with Basel Ballet and Royal Ballet of Flanders

Former Associate Artistic Director with The Australian Ballet

Boys Classical Ballet Scholarship for Years 6 – 9

Boys’ Scholarship entries

Scholarship entries are integrated into our Audition process. The value of the scholarship is based on the artistic and academic merit and will vary for each recipient. If you cannot attend the Auditions, please contact our Registrar below, and we will arrange an alternative option for you. You don’t need to do anything else if you have already registered for Auditions.