Yarra Valley Ballet (Croydon)

Our mission is to provide superior dance instruction to participants from every walk of life, inclusive of all ages, genders and abilities. Our program is professional, but our approach is inclusive. We support dancers of all ages, genders, and abilities to become the best version of themselves they can be. Our teachers are aligned in their methodology and use a strengths-based approach in all classes. Being a part of Yarra Valley Ballet brings students into a community that operates with passion, integrity, openness and commitment holistic well-being.

Our Philosophy

At Yarra Valley Ballet, we believe that students (of all ages) experience optimal learning when their environment is safe, nurturing, team-oriented, and fun.

We commence tuition from the age of 3 years, however, we occasionally accept students younger than this depending on their social maturity and ability to focus in a class environment.

Classical ballet is the primary focus of our school. We offer additional classes in Jazz, Contemporary and National Character however these are available as complimentary styles rather than the main focus.

Students aged 13+ can elect to progressively advance their studies or pursue dance in a more recreational fashion. Recreational dance retains the same quality of tuition but removes the pressure of examinations, multiple classes per week, and/or a high-pressure competitive environment. Students are still welcome to participate in all school performances, to the extent that they choose to commit.

Yarra Valley Ballet's Adult School fosters joy, creativity, collaboration, friendship and life-long learning. Some of our adults have gone on to enjoy the nerves and excitement of stage performances, whilst others find solace in regular ballet classes as a form of active meditation - a chance to step out of your everyday worries and experience a complete mind-body-spirit reset.

Whatever your age, whatever your aspiration, we are here to support you in your dance journey.

Performance Opportunities

Dance is a Performing Art and we strive to give our students opportunities to shine during the year.

Theatre Events
Each year we hold two theatre events. Our first theatre event takes place at the end of Term 2 and is an informal theatre presentation. Students are introduced and guided onto the stage, the curtain remains open throughout and lighting is simple and unrefined (ie, no blackouts). The purpose of this event is to ease students into the feel of the theatre, build confidence and encourage positive anticipation for future performances.

Our second theatre event is a fully costumed, stage-lit, curtained and formal performance. This event takes place towards the end of Term 4, in late November/early December. This performance represents the culmination of the year's work and is usually a highlight of the year for teachers and students alike.

Community Events
Students of Yarra Valley Ballet perform annually at the Yarra Glen Christmas Carols. This event takes place in mid-late December and is a casual, relaxed atmosphere - a bit of a last hurrah before we head into holidays.

Examinations

Yarra Valley Ballet offers Vaganova Examinations through the Ballet Conservatoire.

Exams are not compulsory, however, students benefit in numerous ways by having a personal and achievable goal to work towards. Exams are an objective and measurable achievement of a student's progress and learning. They also provide an opportunity for teachers to receive constructive criticism from an external party.

Examinations begin at Pre-Primary Level and can be taken as young as 5 years. Due to the intense nature of exams, we generally recommend students wait until they have completed their first year of schooling before sitting their first exam.

Students who fail to attend classes and/or rehearsals and who may therefore be under-prepared may not be permitted to participate in examinations and will forfeit any fees paid.

Locations

Yarra Valley Ballet has classes at three locations: Yarra Glen, Croydon and Chirnside Park.