We are an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school.
We offer performing arts & elite tennis streams with an equal focus on academic rigour.
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.
Bookings will open in August 2026.
Junior
Ages 7-10
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
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)
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.
Bookings will open in August 2026.
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.
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.
Teacher access day
Wednesday, 13 January 2027, $50
A limited number of places available.
We’d like to invite dance teachers to observe our ISS2027 Visiting Faculty teaching the Senior and Pre-Professional Program and have a discussion at the end of the day.
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