Queensland Dance School of Excellence (QDSE)

15/10/2025

Vale Sandra Breen OAM.

VALE – Ms. Sandra Breen OAM.
From Diane Gepp, President of Comdance

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed Vice President and Life Member, Ms. Sandra Breen OAM. On behalf of the Executive Committee, examiners, teachers, and the entire Comdance family, we extend our deepest condolences and love to her family, Meredith and Darren, at this time of great loss.

Miss Breen mounted a long and valiant fight with remarkable dignity and strength. Her influence on dance—and in particular on Comdance—has been profound and enduring. For more than 40 years, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to our Society, gaining her examiner’s certificate in 1987 and serving across countless roles with integrity, wisdom and unwavering commitment.

Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of Comdance:

• A visionary leader and creator, she was instrumental in the development of the Modern Jazz Syllabus, and most notably served as the lead choreographer and writer of our new Tap syllabus—a body of work that will shape generations to come.
• As Technical Advisor in recent years, she was a steadfast guide, always available to offer clarity, support and mentorship to teachers.
• As Vice President and long-serving executive committee member, she brought strength, insight, and calm leadership.
• As a Queensland member she never missed an event and was always willing to help.

Ms. Breen’s contribution extended far beyond titles and roles. She never missed a workshop, travelled tirelessly to support others, and was endlessly generous with her time and knowledge. She inspired not only students, but teachers—both young and experienced—encouraging all to strive for excellence while upholding the spirit of Comdance.

She will be remembered as a pillar of our Society: wise, gracious, and deeply respected. Her legacy lives on in every dancer and teacher she influenced, in every step of choreography she crafted, and in the standards of artistry and professionalism she helped define.

Rest peacefully, Ms. Breen.
Your life’s work will continue to dance through us all.

03/12/2024

Soirée discount offer for QDSE Alumni - $50 tickets for performances this Thursday to Saturday!

Enjoy a powerful evening of art and dance as Queensland Ballet Academy presents Soirée at the Thomas Dixon Centre’s Talbot Theatre, in collaboration with Camerata - Queensland's Chamber Orchestra, and Philip Bacon Galleries.

Head of Contemporary Dance & Resident Choreographer at QB Academy, Louise Deleur will be presenting her final work ‘Drift’ after announcing her resignation. Join us in celebrating Louise's 30-year association with Queensland Ballet, Queensland Dance School of Excellence and QB Academy with this exclusive discount.

Inspired by the paintings of William Robinson AO, one of Australia's most distinguished and influential contemporary painters, Natalie Weir, Paul Boyd, and selected graduating students, also present their works in this beautiful program.

Secure your discounted tickets here: https://bit.ly/soiree24vip

03/07/2024

29/06/2024

Sharing the sad news of the passing of Mrs Vivianne Sayers. Vivianne was one of the three co-founders of the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, serving on the school's Artistic Committee, and was principal of the Sayers Dance Academy in Kenmore.

27/05/2024

QDSE Graduate News!

's upcoming Bespoke season features a new contemporary work 'gundirgan, wise woman', a piece from Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri choreographer Katina Olsen. Katina is a graduate of QDSE and you can hear more about her creative process and this exciting new work through the link below.

Bespoke is on at the Talbot Theatre, from 25 July to 3 August.

Katina is currently in the process of gathering ideas for movement and storytelling, collaborating with the dancers themselves to create the premiere First Nations work. This process includes spending time on Country yarning with Olsen's Elders and community to ensure Cultural protocol is upheld and respected. Click the button below to watch Queensland Ballet's dancers and Katina be inspired by their time at Ban Ban Springs, a sacred sight for the local Wakka Wakka people.

Learn about new contemporary work, gundirgan, wise woman, from Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri choreographer Katina Olsen that will feature in our 2024 Bespoke season.

24/08/2023

It's Queensland Ballet's Giving Day to raise vital funds that power the Company's vision - a vision that is growing with our responsibility to make a difference in people’s lives. We are united through the need, the potential, and the impact that the gift of dance offers our community.

Queensland Ballet Academy has a strong history underpinned by the very early training programs under our founder, Charles Lisner, through the era of the Queensland Dance School of Excellence to the world-stage curriculum of today.

Led by Academy Director, Christian Tátchev, our Academy students are professionally trained by a world-class teaching faculty in our dedicated home at Kelvin Grove State College and in our studios at the Thomas Dixon Centre.

https://qbgivingday.com/qbgivingday/QBA

11/05/2023

Special Discount Ticket Offer - Aspire '23

Showcasing the technique and artistry of Queensland Ballet Academy's graduating cohort, Aspire ’23 will feature the Pre-Professional Program dancers in diverse and challenging works by renowned choreographers Paul Boyd, Amelia Waller and Grant Aris.

Book your seats today through the link below and select VIP Adult ($40*) or VIP Concession ($30*) to enjoy discounted prices.
*$5 transaction fee applies
17 - 20 MAY 2023
TALBOT THEATRE
THOMAS DIXON CENTRE
https://purchase.queenslandballet.com.au/overview/1785/?promo=1655

03/04/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064853044603/posts/603992625105834/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our beloved Dance Excellence and Trackdance Coordinator Marg Lucas, who is a true legend in her field. 🌟💃🏻🩰

Marg's passion for dance was contagious and her talent unparalleled, inspiring countless students to pursue their own dreams in the world of dance. Her dedication to her craft and her students was evident in every step she taught and every performance she directed. Marg’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless dancers she has taught and the memories she has created. Marg will be greatly missed at KG, but her impact will be felt for generations to come!
Wishing you all the very best in retirement Marg, keep dancing, stay healthy, and have fun! 💖

01/07/2021

Get your application started now for an exciting 2021 program
www.bicdprix.com

17/06/2021

Queensland Ballet seeking new Teaching Artists to join the team! QB Community Engagement and Education team operates to create magic from a participant’s very first moment and enrich lives for as many people as possible regardless or age, location, ability or background.
Reaching over 65,000 people every year through our diverse suite of community and education offerings, we invite new and experienced casual teaching artists who are passionate about sharing their artform, to join our dynamic team.
If this sounds like you or you know anyone who might be interested, please get in touch today via [email protected]
https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/community/learninghub/in-school-workshops/education-teaching-artists

07/06/2021

*** Ausdance QLD Resident | Katina Olsen ***

We are thrilled that after a year, Katina is back in the studio! Supported by Sunshine Coast Council she is developing her work ‘Treaty / Constitution / Protocol’ (Working Title).

The project will revisit her Ausdance QLD First Nations Residency and follows on from an initial consultation development supported by a CQ RASN June Tough and Tender Beauty Residency and with Kombumerri Elder Uncle Graham Dillon and cousin Maxwell Dillon. They aimed to work on a Treaty / Constitution / Protocol document that will then be translated into their own Ngarahngwal language with the help of linguist Margaret Sharpe.

They see this Treaty / Constitution / Protocol as a document that is owned by all Kombumerri, not driven by or for Native Title, but as an evolving statement as it reaches all Kombumerri for their contributions (making sure the consultation is broad and extensive). It might eventually become a poem or song, something that everyone might come to know in time whilst also educating them on where they stand on their country (Gold Coast) and how to care for it.

It is from these Ngarahngwal translations that Katina will translate it into new contemporary dance movement, which is a completely new process for her.

31/05/2021

Studio teachers are invited to Queensland Ballet Academy's Demonstrations!

Dance studio teachers are invited to attend one or both of our Academy Program Demonstrations on Friday, 11 June and Friday, 18 June.

Join Academy Director, Christian Tátchev for refreshments before viewing our talented Academy Program students as they demonstrate classwork and repertoire.

Email [email protected] for further details on how to register.

📸 David Kelly