Courses » Ecole Dance Theatre

EDT was launched in 1997 when Ashley Killar produced the three-act classic ballet Coppelia at the Shore Theatre, North Sydney. The following year Ecole Dance Theatre offered works by Garth Welch AM, Ashley Killar and Kit Lethby.

"We firmly believe that today, as much as ever, young people have a real need to develop their imaginations. Their lives can be greatly enriched if they have the opportunity to be part of the magic that theatre can engender; the rigorous discipline of classical ballet training, and the world of fantasy is a very healthy combination!" Jane Allyn & Ashley Killar

Dear Jane and Ashley, Congratulations on the launch of Ecole Dance Theatre. Best Wishes for its future.  Gailene Stock AM  Director: Royal Ballet School, Former Director: Australian Ballet School.

Every single performance for a dance student is the result of many classes and rehearsals and is the magical reward that reminds them that all their hard work is worthwhile. I wish all the dancers and ballet staff of Ecole Ballet Studios a very successful and enjoyable performance.  David McAllister AM  Artistic Director, The Australian Ballet

EDT exists as a training scheme for members of Ecole's full-time professional training course. We believe that the theatre aspect of our training in our title distinguishes Ecole from almost every other major Australian school. As well as offering the students frequent performing opportunities, the Course endeavours to educate the students in other aspects of stagecraft. In repertoire classes throughout the year Ecole's faculty teach not only the steps but also give contextual and interpretive insights into famous roles, may of which they have danced professionally themselves. Furthermore, the important training in corps de ballet work is given.
Other aims of Ecole Dance Theatre are to give background information on stagecraft (eg costumes, lighting, stage management) and to enable its members to work with choreographers when they are creating or reproducing a work.

Dancers now are required to have a technique that is virtuosic, to be able to respond to these greater demands with safety, and to be able to approach their career with intelligence. One of the outstanding schools amongst the few who are equipped to provide this intensive training is Ecole in Sydney, Australia.
I have taught at two Summer Schools for Mr Killar and each time I have been impressed by his students who are not only technically strong but also show a respect for musical phrasing and sound knowledge of stage presentation.
Colin Peasley OAM FISTD
Education Manager Australian Ballet