The Australian Ballet, together with Lead Partner Qantas, is taking ballet beyond the theatre and into the hearts of young Australians with The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass – a new program that opens the world of ballet to high school students in outer suburban and regional communities.
In its inaugural year, the program has thrilled students in Wollongong, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Wollongong students were swept up in the wonder of The Nutcracker Act II and other works as part of The Australian Ballet On Tour, while students in Adelaide and Brisbane were captivated by the timeless classic of David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty.
In Melbourne, young audiences were energised by Prism – a bold and dynamic triple bill featuring works by William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins, and The Australian Ballet’s Resident Choreographer, Stephanie Lake.
Now all eyes turn to Sydney, where students will experience both Prism and The Sleeping Beauty. The program will expand in 2026, with new locations and dates announced soon, offering even more young Australians across the country the chance to experience the awe and inspiration of live ballet.
The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass offers high school students more than just a seat in the theatre, it opens the door to a world-class artistic experience. Each school group receives premium A-Reserve tickets, return transport, and a suite of educational materials including a video introduction to ballet, a pre-performance resource exploring story, characters, and production design, and a post-performance guide to spark reflection and discussion in the classroom. Together, these elements give students an immersive, inspiring and unforgettable experience of live ballet.
“The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass is about more than just getting students to the theatre, it’s about giving them access to a world they may have never imagined. Every young person, no matter where they live, should feel that ballet, and the arts, belong to them,” said The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Hallberg.
“In a time when teenagers are spending more hours on screens than ever before, we’re offering something they can’t swipe past: the thrill, emotion and connection of live performance. Together with Qantas, we’re making sure students who might never have had this opportunity can experience that magic, often for the very first time,” added Hallberg.
“Qantas has a long and proud history of supporting the arts in Australia and we’re delighted to partner with The Australian Ballet on a program that brings the magic of performance to young people. The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass is a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation, and we’re proud to help make it possible,” said Qantas Group Chief Marketing Officer, Petra Perry.
“We are fortunate to work with many highly talented young people, many of whom come from backgrounds marked by significant challenges and disadvantage. Experiences such as this can have a profound impact on their lives and overall wellbeing,” said Oak Flats High School Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts, Gemma Chrighton.
The Australian Ballet’s long-standing partnership with Qantas is grounded in a shared commitment to connecting Australians with extraordinary cultural experiences and to fostering social sustainability. Programs like The Australian Ballet’s Boarding Pass break down barriers to the arts, inspiring the next generation and making ballet accessible nationwide.
For more information about The Australian Ballet’s Boarding Pass, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: Audience members enjoying a performance – photo by Daniel Boud