Tanya Pearson Academy | Best Ballet School in Sydney

THE NUTCRACKER 2025

The Tanya Pearson Academy will present its full-length production of “The Nutcracker” on December 20 and 21 at the Concourse Theatre, Chatswood.

In keeping with Christmas tradition, this enchanting performance will feature Principal Artists, Soloists and Artists from The Australian Ballet, including:

Benedicte Bemet
Brett Chynoweth
Yuumi Yamada
Hugo Dumapit
Charlton Tough
Josef Brown

Introducing Prima Ballerina Margaret Illmann at the Tanya Pearson Academy!

INTERNATIONAL SENIOR SUMMER WORKSHOPS 2026!

We’re thrilled to announce an exceptional training experience for this year’s Senior Summer Workshops, running January 19–23, 2026!

SUMMER HOLIDAY JUNIOR WORKSHOPS 2026

We are thrilled to announce that TPA’s Summer Holiday Junior Workshops for 2026 will be inspired by the vibrant and adventurous world of The Jungle Book!

“The experiences that were given to us at TPA were second to none and I thank not only Mrs P but each teacher for their time and effort put into their students. While I was training full time at TPA, I was extremely lucky to be able to compete at the Prix De Lausanne in Switzerland, Youth America Grand Prix in NYC twice and Alana Haines in New Zealand. Being able to represent Tanya Pearson in those competitions were by far the most incredible and life changing experiences.”

Emily Seymour – TPA Graduate, Prix de Lausanne & Youth America Grand Prix winner. Now Professional Dancer with Sydney Dance Company

“Through the guidance of the Tanya Pearson Academy, I feel that I have grown greatly, not only as a dancer but as a human being! The teachers will not form you to fit a mould but, with a strong foundation of classical technique, encourage and support the individuality in each student. After having travelled overseas taking classes with some of the worlds top schools, I would still say that the Tanya Pearson Academy is truely one of the best.”

Grace Carroll – TPA Graduate – Winner YAGP Senior Division 2019, Paris Opera Ballet School, Royal Ballet School – Now Professional Dancer with The Australian Ballet

“I am incredibly grateful for the world class faculty at Tanya Pearson Academy. I have improved so much in the time I have been training here and I benefit immensely from all the special opportunities we are given. When I was 13 I moved from Tasmania to Sydney so I could study at Tanya Pearson Academy and I have loved every minute so far!”

Dayla Bowman – TPA Graduate – Now student at the San Francisco Ballet School

“I have been at Tanya Pearson for 12 months now and I travel up every week, on Fridays to attend the Junior Transition Program, Intermediate Foundation, and Open class. I travel back to Berry every Saturday; it’s a long trip but it’s definitely worth it! At the end of last year my local teacher suggested I come to the Tanya Pearson Summer School and I loved it! I made new friends, learnt lots and really liked the teaching so I decided I wanted to keep coming. I also like watching the older girls and boys who are amazing and inspiring.”

Ella Orme – 12yrs, TPA Junior Transition Program Student

“Perhaps the biggest attribute of TPA is the sheer number of contacts, networks and connections. This gave me the steppingstone I needed to help find my place in the dance world.”

Olivia Betteridge – TPA Graduate – Now Professional Dancer with the Hamburg Ballet

“I moved from Chicago, USA to study at the renowned Tanya Pearson Academy in Sydney. Without a doubt, I have received excellent training and guidance from their exceptional teachers and physio staff. Tanya Pearson Academy has afforded me many wonderful opportunities and rewarding experiences including my acceptance into the prestigious Vaganova Academy in Russia”

Claire Zalunardo- 17yrs, TPA Pre Professional

“The best part about TPA are the wonderful friends I have made. The teachers are great and fun. I love how the teachers encourage me to do my best.”

Julian Wallace – 11yrs, TPA Part Time Program

“I really love being a student at Tanya’s and I am always grateful to have such amazing teachers who share their years of experience and knowledge with us all. Starting at Tanya’s made me realise what it is I am passionate about and capable of doing and what I truly want to do in the future”

Lincoln Sharp – TPA Graduate – Now student at John Cranko School Stuttgart

VISION STATEMENT

As a leading provider of elite professional dance education, our aim at TPA is to facilitate our students’ lifelong pursuit of Excellence in Dance.

Through the development of each student’s creative talent and artistic voice we will empower students to fulfil their potential as unique contributors to the Artform of Dance, both nationally and on the world stage.

Learn more

ABOUT US

Since its founding in 1971, the Tanya Pearson Academy (TPA) has established itself as Australia’s leading ballet academy, with a distinguished international reputation. Founded by the highly respected Tanya Pearson OAM—awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her outstanding contributions to the arts—the academy continues her legacy of excellence in dance education.

Today, TPA flourishes under the visionary executive and creative leadership of owners Gregor Thieler and Xanthe Geeves. Their shared mission is to deliver premier ballet classes and elite dance training, developing young dancers into accomplished, distinctive artists who succeed on the world stage.

TPA is immensely proud of our graduates, many of whom now excel on the world stage with renowned professional ballet schools and companies, turning their talent into extraordinary careers. Our alumni have joined prestigious organisations worldwide including The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Canadian National Ballet, Scottish National Ballet, National Ballet of Portugal, Introdans Netherlands, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Hong Kong Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet Company, West Australian Ballet, Opera de Nice, Victorian State Ballet, and Atlantic Ballet Atlantique, Canada.

Learn more