At Ballet Theatre Australia we inspire, nurture and guide dancers of excellence. Developing mature and professional individuals through meticulous technique, musicality and artistry.
Ben Davis - Director
FACULTY
THE DIRECTOR
A former Soloist of The Australian Ballet, Ben Davis commenced his formal training with Ballet Theatre Australia under the direction of Leeanne Rutherford. During his 5 years of training at the school, Ben also spent time in New York City where he received further coaching from a multitude of industry greats.
Ben began his career performing throughout Germany and Austria before returning to Australia and joining The Australian Ballet in 2005. In 2008 he was awarded a professional development scholarship from The Australian Ballet to travel abroad, spending time with the Royal Ballet in London, Paris Opera Ballet and Vienna Staatsoper. During his 13 years spent with The Australian Ballet, Ben worked with some of the world’s finest dancers, choreographers and coaches, performing various featured and leading roles in the company’s expansive repertoire.
Following his retirement from the stage Ben taught extensively in both professional and student environments throughout Australia. In 2020 he was appointed Director of Ballet Theatre Australia, where his journey toward a professional career all began. Ben is now passionate about sharing his numerous years of stage and industry experience with the school’s next generation of young artists.
BEN DAVIS
Director &
Classical Coach
RACHEL RAWLINS
Guest Classical Coach
SCOTT POKORNEY
Contemporary Teacher & Scimm. Dance
Artistic Director
TIM BARNES
Contemporary Teacher & Scimm. Dance
Artistic Director
BAILEY GLEN
Contemporary Teacher
BTA PROGRAMS
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This section of our website is currently
being updated. Details of full-time training will be available shortly.
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Ballet Theatre Australia announces its next step moving into 2026, confirming a change
of location and the opportunity to work alongside contemporary training organisation Scimm. Dance Pre-Professional.
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Ballet Theatre Australia continues to offer full-time classical ballet training for dedicated young dancers, focused on strong technical foundations, artistry and professional standards. Training is grounded in meticulous classical technique, supported by conditioning, contemporary practice and performance preparation.
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Entry to Ballet Theatre Australia's full-time training is strictly by audition.
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NEW PROGRAM - Coaching with Ben Davis
Exacting Standards. Informed Guidance. Lasting Growth.
Coaching with Ben is designed for serious dancers seeking to strengthen, refine, and elevate their classical ballet training within a professional framework. Sessions focus on building ballet-specific strength, refining classical technique and developing musicality. Each dancer receives informed, individual guidance that strengthens foundations while sharpening detail and nurturing artistry.
Ben brings first-hand professional experience, meticulous attention to detail, and absolute clarity to every session. His approach is shaped by a career dedicated to classical ballet, performance, and the careful development of young artists. He has extensive experience preparing dancers for national and international competitions, including Prix de Lausanne and YAGP, alongside mentoring students on their pathway toward professional careers.
All one-on-one coaching is tailored to complement existing training, respecting each dancer’s developmental stage and workload, while elevating their approach through informed guidance and unwavering standards, supporting sustained progression.
By appointment only.
Expressions of interest: contact@ballettheatreaustralia.com
AUDITION
Auditions for entry to BTA's 2026 programs are conducted via morning class in our Malvern East studio. To book an audition, download the application form below and forward to contact@ballettheatreaustralia.com
Upon receiving an application you will be contacted to schedule a suitable morning to attend your class.
Prospective students unable to attend a studio audition are invited to submit an online audition reel. Submission details can be found on the application form.
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Let's start your journey.
BTA ALUMNI
Ben Davis. The Australian Ballet
Natalie Barbis. Teatrul de Balet Sibiu
Tamra Burke. London Ballet Company
Rebekah Davey. Hong Kong Ballet
Hayley Farr. San Francisco Ballet
Breeana Flannery. Arts Ballet Theatre Florida
Jack Gibbs. Melbourne Ballet Company
Bethany Headland. Washington Ballet Apprentice. Vienna Festival Ballet
Walter Isaacson. Teater Vanemuine. Tartu Estonia
Marina Job. New English Contemporary Ballet
Alexandra Kearney. Bolshoi Ballet Academy
Taline Kenar. Colorado Ballet
Emilia Lakic. Ballett Vorpommern
Jennifer Lawrence. Ballet de Printemps British Columbia Canada
Matthew Lehmann. Monaco Ballet. Alberta Ballet Canada. West Australian Ballet
Vanessa Morelli. Queensland Ballet
Rob Moorcroft. Professional Development Queensland Ballet. Ballet Cymru Wales
Amber Munro. The Australian Ballet. National Ballet of Canada
Lana Panfilow. Royal New Zealand Ballet. Harleijn Dans Theater
Gemma Pearce. Queensland Ballet
John Pickup. Lithuanian Ballet
Kristy Tancred. Various companies throughout the United States
Valerie Tereshchenko. The Australian Ballet
Alice Topp. Royal New Zealand Ballet. The Australian Ballet
Jack Traylen. Lithuanian National Ballet
Gus Upchurch. Milwaukee Ballet Apprentice
Alice Vincent. Alberta Ballet Canada. Zurich Ballet
Shai Voorham. Vancouver Ballet Canada
Ethan Slocomb. ABT School. Washington Ballet. Finnish National Ballet
Sugar MacGillivray. AUSTI Dance Theatre
Eleanor Bond. New Zealand School of Dance
Isabelle Forrestal. Prix de Lausanne. YAGP Finalist
Delaney Jarvis. San Francisco Ballet School
Laura Bunn. International Ballet Company Messapica
