A BALLET SCHOOL FOR KIDS & YOUNG ADULTS

built on proud traditions

Academy Ballet empowers children through the creation of an inclusive and nurturing environment for budding ballet dancers that builds self-confidence and a love of ballet for life.

Our proud 40 year history

Academy Ballet was founded by Nicholina Kuner in 1979 (previously the Lorraine Norton Ballet School). It has been a rich part of Sydney’s dancing community ever since. Nicholina herself was taught by Miss Lorraine Norton, one of the country’s most highly respected teachers. Former students of Miss Norton’s include some of Australia’s leading ballet dancers including prima ballerinas; Marilyn Jones, Kathy Gorham, Mary Duchesne and Bryan Ashbridge.

Academy Ballet was a part of Sinead Vidler’s life from before the day she was born. Sinead grew up watching her sister dance until one day, at five years old, Sinead walked through the doors of Academy Ballet, and never turned back. After her first class with Nicholina, she told her mum; she wanted to be a ballet teacher just like Mrs Kuner…. and the rest, as they say, is history.

Sinead started teaching at AB when she was just 15 years old and in 2010, took over Academy Ballet and relocated it to a warehouse conversion in Alexandria, continuing to value the traditions instilled by her teacher, Nicholina Kuner. In 2018 Sinead moved AB to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park where it continues to grow & inspire.

Academy Ballet empowers

“Over the last 20 years I have realised that my goal in teaching ballet is actually less about ballet and more about empowering my kids, and teachers, through ballet. I find people’s strengths and help them fulfil their potential. It’s my superpower.”

Sinead Vidler
ACADEMY BALLET DIRECTOR

Former Academy Ballet students

For the last 40 years, Academy Ballet has nurtured young dancers from caterpillars to butterflies. Our story lies within the stories of all our past and present students, for which ballet plays an instrumental role in their lives.

Academy Ballet has produced dancers who have performed with:

  • The Australian Ballet
  • The Royal Ballet
  • The Royal New Zealand Ballet
  • Birmingham Royal Ballet
  • West Australia Ballet
  • Queensland Ballet.

In recent years, students have graduated from our Semi Professional Program going on to study at The Royal Ballet School, The English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet School and Dresden Ballet Schulle.​

Academy Ballet empowers students to become the best versions of themselves.

ELLENORE ABRAHAM

Dresden Ballet Schulle

VITO TOMA BERNASCONI

Australian Ballet School, Company Dancer with Queensland Ballet

MALIKA BERNEY

Freelance Dancer

ALEXANDER CAMPELL

Principal with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet School

ANNIE CARROLL

Royal Ballet School Graduate, The Australia Ballet

ISABELLA CIAPPARA

Sydney Dance Company, PreProfessional Year

BRIDGET COULTHURST

Brussels International Ballet School

INGRID GOW

RNZB School, Coryphee with The Australian Ballet

GISELLE INGHAM

Houston Ballet Academy, European School of Ballet

MACBETH KANERA

Silesian Theatre, Ostrava

NATASHA KUSEN

Soloist with The Australian Ballet Royal Ballet School

SHAYARNE MATHESON

Royal Ballet School, Sydney Dance PreProfessional Program

SOPHIE MAYO

Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin

GRETEL PALFREY

Graduate of English National Ballet School

CLAIRE-LOUISA PATERSON

Theatre Mageburg and Palast Berlin

ISABELLA ROBINSON

Finnish National Ballet & WA Ballet

EMMA SANDALL

Dancer with Bejart Ballet, The Royal Ballet & WA Ballet

JACK STROMLAND

De Dutch Don’t Dance Division & Dresden Ballet Schulle

ALICE WEBER

Freelance Dancer