ABOUT TANYA PEARSON ACADEMY
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.
World-Class Dance Facilities in Sydney
Located centrally in St. Leonards, Sydney, TPA operates from a state-of-the-art, architect-designed 1750sqm facility, established in 2023. Our premises provide an exceptional environment for ballet classes in Sydney, featuring seven spacious studios with professional sprung floors and sound systems. Additionally, the facility includes dedicated academic classrooms, Pilates/gym and physiotherapy studios, a dedicated performance studio, a boutique pointe shoe and ballet shop, and comfortable social spaces. The academy is conveniently accessible via public transport, with free onsite parking.
Career Development and Industry Preparation
An essential element of ballet education at TPA is our specialised Career Development Program, designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for professional success. Industry experts provide guidance on professional applications, audition planning, CV preparation, photo and video submissions, anatomy and injury prevention, dance psychology, goal setting, nutrition, career planning, and networking—an essential complement to our dance training.
International Recognition and Achievements
TPA students consistently achieve remarkable success internationally, earning recognition at prestigious competitions such as Prix de Lausanne, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), Genée International Ballet Competition, and Alana Haines Awards. Our academy proudly celebrates numerous YAGP medalists, Genée medallists, Alana Haines Award winners, Sydney Eisteddfod Senior Ballet Scholarship recipients, and AICD Houston Ballet Scholarship winners, affirming our position as a world-renowned ballet academy.
Successful Graduate Placements
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.
Unique Performance and Audition Opportunities
TPA students benefit from exclusive performance opportunities with the Australian Youth Ballet, a prestigious youth ballet company platform closely affiliated with our ballet academy, providing professional-level stage experience.
Throughout the year, TPA dancers experience exceptional performance and audition opportunities, including guest performances with The Australian Ballet, participation in international competitions, and overseas audition tours, ensuring they gain practical experience for professional dance careers.
With more than 50 years of proven success, Tanya Pearson Academy remains dedicated to providing the best ballet and dance training in Sydney, developing outstanding dancers who achieve rewarding careers internationally. Under the visionary guidance of Gregor Thieler and Xanthe Geeves, alongside our distinguished faculty of world-class educators and mentors, we guide every student towards reaching their full artistic and professional potential.
