THE MCDONALD COLLEGE PORTAL

OPEN MORNING13 Nov

OPEN MORNING13 November

International Summer School 2026

Welcome to the ISS2026
Monday 12 – Friday 16 January

Our renowned 5-day summer program of classes and workshops with international and national dance masters for junior to pre-professional dance students returns.

Over the past 19 years, thousands of students aged 7 to 20 have participated in our highly acclaimed summer intensive in Sydney, with many dancers returning each year—a testament to our exceptional guest faculty and the lasting friendships they build with one another.

Iss2026 Web Banner Finalv2 — Photography: Gabriel Pace

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Junior

Ages 7-10

^$650

This course offers exciting daily classes in various dance styles and musical theatre. It encourages young dancers to explore their creativity while having fun, strengthen their technique, artistry, and flexibility, and form new friendships.

Senior

Ages 11-18

^$699

This course will foster students’ artistic and creative development through various classical, contemporary, repertoire and conditioning classes. Participants will explore dance from the perspective of our highly experienced guest faculty.

Pre-Professional

Ages 15-20 (Elite Level)

^$699

This course is designed for dancers on the verge of a professional career who are eager to embrace different styles and processes, preparing them for auditions that lie ahead while honing their technique and artistry under the guidance of our guest faculty.

*Past ISS participants and current students of The McDonald College and After Hours are entitled to a 10% discount. Please check your inbox for your discount code or contact us for more information.

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Our program

The 5-day program of classes and workshops focuses on honing technique, harnessing creativity, and developing artistry and musicality with confidence.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer, our comprehensive program covers a range of genres. Students are grouped into classes based on their age and current level of ballet training, as determined by the faculty and the ISS Director. The genres taught vary based on the age group, incorporating pointe work as appropriate.

Classical Ballet. Contemporary Dance. Girl’s Pointe Coaching. Boys’ Coaching. Repertoire. Musical Theatre (Juniors). Broadway Jazz. Acting for Ballet. Audition Technique. Strength and Conditioning.

view schedule

Our faculty

This year, we are honoured to have Lachlan Monaghan, Principal Dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Bronte Kelly, former Principal Dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet join us as guest faculty – along with an exceptional returning faculty of guest teachers and choreographers, including Steve Rooks from Vassar College New York and Paul Boyd from the Queensland Ballet Academy.

Alexander Campbell

Claire Calvert

Steve Rooks

Paul Boyd

discover the faculty

Teacher access day
Wednesday, 14 January 2026, $50

A limited number of places available.

We’d like to invite dance teachers to observe our ISS2026 Visiting Faculty teaching the Senior and Pre-Professional Program and have a discussion at the end of the day.

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What past ISS participants are saying

This is our 3rd year at ISS and every year I get “Can I go next year?“ Always well run and the staff and teachers are always a pleasure to deal with. It was also fantastic to see so many boys this year. The quality of the teachers and the experience the children get is brilliant. I highly recommend and have. Thank you for a great 2025!

ParentISS2025

After attending many other holiday programs, both open to the public and invite only, we can honestly say you are running the smoothest, most enjoyable one we have been to. Piper loved her time there and as a parent, I know she is in good hands.

Mother of PiperISS2025

I just wanted to say FABULOUS! The demonstration was delightful and Brit has had such a lovely time dancing with her friends all week! She loved every minute of the summer school and just loved the performance at the end, I can’t believe what the teachers produced in such a short period of time, just brilliant.

VeronicaParent of Brit, ISS2025

My children absolutely loved their week at ISS. We live in Rockhampton, so it was a big deal for them to be dancing at a new place with unfamiliar faces but your friendly support made it so easy. They said it was absolutely “inspirational”! My son, Haju, was never keen on ballet but he said he really likes ballet now!

LynnParent of Haju and Harin, ISS2025

It was heartening to witness Conor and Billi radiate joy and enthusiasm throughout the week. This stands as a testament to your organisational skills and creative energy, creating a safe space for these young individuals to explore their craft. Thank you for that.

Dani Parent of Conor and Billi, ISS2024

Just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work of the entire team and yourself for making this an enjoyable experience for Liam and all the children. It’s such a great opportunity for boys to be in such an inclusive environment.

BelindaParent of Liam, ISS2024

Thank you so much once again for a great week. Aisling has loved being back at ISS this year. She has been on a high each evening after classes finish (if tired!) and is really looking forward to the demonstrations tomorrow.

Mary Parent of Aisling, ISS2024 and ISS2023

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for ISS2024 – Gracie just had the best time last week. We were blown away with how much they learnt in 5 days

BelindaParent of Gracie, ISS2024