International Summer School 2027
Welcome to the ISS2027
Monday 11 – Friday 15 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 20 years, thousands of students aged 7 to 18 have taken part in our highly acclaimed summer intensive in Sydney. Many dancers come back year after year, drawn by our exceptional guest faculty and the friendships that keep bringing them home.
Junior
Age 7-10
This course offers exciting daily classes in various dance styles and musical theatre, at a level equivalent to RAD Grades 1 – 3. It encourages young dancers to explore their creativity while having fun, strengthen their technique, artistry, and flexibility, and form new friendships. Note: this course finishes at 3pm each day (except for Friday).
Intermediate
Age 11-13
This course, at a level equivalent to RAD Grade 4 – Intermediate Foundation, 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.
Senior
Age 14-20
This course, at a level equivalent to Intermediate – Advanced, is designed for dancers who are eager to embrace different styles and processes while honing their technique and artistry under the guidance of our guest faculty. Participants will build confidence across a range of repertoire and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Pre-Professional
Age 14+
This course, at a level equivalent to Advanced/Elite or full-time training, 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.
*The amount above does not include the booking fee applied by the ticketing platform, it will be charged at the checkout.
**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.
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. Audition Technique. Career Preparation. Strength and Conditioning.
Our faculty
This year, we are honoured to welcome Lisa-Maree Cullum, Principal Rehearsal Director with Queensland Ballet, and Tobiah Booth-Remmers, Program Manager of Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year, as new guest faculty, along with an exceptional returning faculty of guest teachers and choreographers, including Bronte Kelly, former Principal Dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Paul Boyd from the Queensland Ballet Academy.
What past ISS participants are saying
Previous ISS gallery
Click on the photos below to open a gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Information about discounts, refunds, what to bring, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
Get in touch with us
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Lindsay Ellman-Brown, the Director of the International Summer School.
(02) 9752 0601 | iss@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au