Queensland Dance and Performing Arts
Queensland Dance and Performing Arts (QDPA) is one of the most respected training centres in Queensland. As a leading academy for ballet, contemporary movement, and circus arts, QDPA is committed to preparing young performers for the dance stage and professional pathways. Students aged 3 to 20 receive structured programs designed to build technique, artistry, and confidence.
Brisbane Performing Arts Academy
At QDPA, we’re proud to be a trusted Brisbane performing arts academy for families across the city. Many of our students come from South Brisbane, West End, Woolloongabba, Carindale, Coorparoo, and nearby suburbs to train with us. Parents choose QDPA because we combine international-level expertise with a welcoming local community. Our faculty includes ballet masters, contemporary choreographers, and circus specialists, many with global stage and Olympic-level coaching backgrounds. Whether your child is just beginning a dance program or preparing for auditions, they’ll benefit from small class sizes, personalised coaching, and an environment that nurtures both skill and self-belief.
EXCELLENT Based on 16 reviews Mina Cassimatis2025-05-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had such a fantastic experience at this school. Miss Maria and Miss Cam are incredibly skilled - with countless years of experience - and genuinely passionate about what they do. Their commitment to quality, technique, and individual growth is clear in every class. What really sets this place apart is the exceptional experience in the teaching, and the smaller classes that create a family-like atmosphere. Would highly recommend to anyone who is driven to excel, or wanting to take their dancing/circus skills to the next level! Holly L2025-05-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely love this school. All of the teachers are encouraging and the students are so supportive of eachother. The small class sizes make sure that the teachers get to give each child personal corrections. When I first joined the school I struggled with my confidence while I was dancing, now not only am I confident but I'm also in a Pre-Professional program in Melbourne, which I couldn't have done without the amazing support of Maria and the rest of the teachers at QDPA. Amity Gentle2025-05-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A school of Excellence in technique and artistry .My Experience at QDPA From the moment I stepped into QDPA I knew I was entering a place where artistry, discipline, and passion was exceptional. The studio exudes with warmth, fostering an environment where dancers of all levels feel inspired and supported. The instructors are nothing short of exceptional—dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely from invested in each student's growth. Their personalised guidance both technical mastery and expressive artistry, helped me unlock my full potential. The curriculum is rigorous training and challenging and deeply rewarding, teachers give personal corrections. The mentorship is motivating me and other students to strive further. Whether you're an aspiring professional or dancing for joy, it's a place where you excel and dreams my dream took flight. Highly recommended for anyone passionate about dance and committed to excellence! Melissa Gentle2024-10-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Miss Maria and Miss Cam are extremely dedicated teachers who love their students. Qdpa is like a family who believe in and encourage each other. The results produced speak for themselves. Only wish I'd sent my daughter here earlier. Catharine Mohr2024-08-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A power team for Student success. If you have a serious dancer that is wanting to improve technique and performance quality and looking towards a career in dance, these wonderful ladies will help with this journey. One must be prepared to listen, learn, work hard and improve and if this is you, you will love it. My daughter loves her dance classes and in fact drives 2hours to attend. Tracey Johnson2024-07-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend this studio. The teachers are very professional and genuinely care about every student. They get amazing results from the students because the teachers put in the time to tailor the training to each individual dancer. I’ve seen big improvement in my daughter’s technique since she started here. Debbie Guilfoyle2023-01-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 10yr old daughter has been attending QDPA for 2years now. She absolutely loves it. She has become a beautiful dancer because of this dance school. She has also found a passion for circus aerials. Maria and her teachers are extremely talented at producing beautiful, and technically perfect, dancers and aerial performers. Their dedication is endless and it shows in how well all their students dance and perform. They teach for excellence in a firm but loving manner. They are also extremely supportive of each individual child’s needs and situation. We wouldn’t dance anywhere else. Himeka O2022-07-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing dance school with outstanding teachers!! Excellent tuition! Nothing but the best from passionate teachers. Would more than highly recommend!
Queensland Dance: Stage and Performance Opportunities
Stage experience is central at QDPA. Every performance—whether it’s a student’s first time on stage or part of an advanced showcase—demonstrates the dedication and discipline learned in class. These Queensland dance opportunities prepare students for competitions, exams, and professional auditions while building confidence and stage presence.
Queensland Dance Academy: Classical Ballet Training
As a leading Queensland dance academy, QDPA follows the Borovansky Russian Syllabus through the Australian Institute of Classical Dance, an internationally respected framework that provides dancers with a strong technical foundation. Training encompasses posture, alignment, musicality, pointe work, pas de deux, advanced choreography, and performance skills, complemented by Pilates, floor ballet, strength, and flexibility sessions. This holistic approach develops artistry while preventing injuries and building the strength required for professional-level choreography.



























Contemporary Dance Brisbane and Circus Arts Programs
Our contemporary dance Brisbane program expands creativity through improvisation, choreography, and modern movement. Students are encouraged to develop their own style while mastering the versatility demanded by today’s evolving dance world.
To complement dance, QDPA offers circus arts including aerial silks, lyra, hammock, and acrobatics. These classes improve strength, coordination, and spatial awareness while opening pathways into circus performance, physical theatre, and cross-genre stage productions.
Performing Arts School Brisbane: Programs for Every Age
As a performing arts school Brisbane families trust, QDPA supports students of all ages and levels, with children able to begin from age 3 and progress through programs tailored to their stage of development. Offerings include private coaching for auditions and technical growth, exam preparation and certification, as well as competition training and performance opportunities, with each program designed to nurture both personal goals and professional ambitions across ballet, contemporary, and circus performance.
Centre for Advanced Training and Professional Pathways
QDPA acts as a true centre for advanced training, guiding students from beginner classes to pre-professional opportunities. Many graduates continue into professional dance companies, circus productions, or creative industries across Australia and internationally. Our structured pathways give students the discipline, resilience, and technical ability to move confidently into careers in the performing arts.
A Pathway to Professional Excellence
QDPA’s contemporary program builds versatility through modern movement, improvisation, and choreography, helping dancers shape their own style and depth. Classes demand both control and freedom—essential for today’s dance world. Circus training includes aerial silks, lyra, hammock, and acrobatics, building strength, coordination, and spatial awareness. These skills expand a dancer’s range and open doors to careers in circus arts, physical theatre, and cross-genre performance.
QDPA: Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can join QDPA?
Programs run from 3 to 20 years, designed to match ability and development.
Do I need experience to enrol?
No. Beginners are welcome. Placement is by age and ability.
Which styles are taught?
Classical ballet, contemporary dance, and circus arts.
Which ballet syllabus is used?
QDPA follows the Borovansky Russian Syllabus through the Australian Institute of Classical Dance—known for discipline, structure, and strong technique.
Are performance or competition options available?
Yes. Students can enter exams, compete, and perform. QDPA also offers private coaching for auditions and personalized training goals.
Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.
Martha Graham
Ballet teaches you how to hold yourself—physically and emotionally.
Darcey Bussell
To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more powerful, more beautiful.
Martha Graham
The discipline of ballet teaches you to be strong, not just in body, but in mind.
Misty Copeland
The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie.
Agnes de Mille
Enrol at Queensland Dance and Performing Arts
If you’re looking for a Queensland dance academy that combines technical excellence, creativity, and stage opportunities, QDPA is the right choice. Whether your child is beginning their dance journey or aiming for a professional career, our academy delivers the programs, coaching, and performance pathways to succeed.
Call us today or enquire online to secure your place at QDPA. Spaces are limited across all age groups—don’t miss the chance to join one of Queensland’s leading performing arts schools.