For over 85 years, Ballet Theatre Queensland has been at the heart of Queensland's cultural story. As Australia's oldest continuous ballet company, we've nurtured generations of young dancers since 1937, contributing to our state's rich artistic legacy.
Today, BTQ is a vibrant hub for aspiring dancers, offering pre-professional training, mentorship, and the chance to perform in fully staged productions. We celebrate inclusivity and creativity, welcoming students from all backgrounds to audition and grow with us. We're committed to expanding our repertoire, inspiring new audiences, and shaping the future of dance in Queensland with bold, high-quality performances and extended training opportunities for the next generation of artists.
Our values
Inclusivity is the commitment to embracing and valuing diverse perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and represented.
Community signifies fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among individuals with shared goals and interests.
Professionalism entails maintaining high standards of behavior, ethics, and competence in one’s work or interactions.
Integrity reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of honesty, respect, and accountability.
Joy embodies the cultivation of happiness, positivity, and a sense of fulfillment in both personal and collective experiences.
Our story began with a small group of passionate teachers in 1937 and has grown into Queensland's premier youth ballet company, shaping generations of dancers and the state's cultural landscape.
Ballet Theatre Queensland was born from the remarkable vision of Phyllis Danaher, an accomplished dancer, teacher, and choreographer whose passionate leadership shaped Queensland dance and continues to inspire us today.
Born in Brisbane, Phyllis helped establish the Queensland branch of the Australasian Society of Operatic Dancing, which became the genesis of BTQ. She directed the company well into the 1980s and was the first Queensland teacher to gain the Advanced Teacher Certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance. Her exceptional contributions were recognised when she was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance and a Member of the British Empire for service to dance in Queensland. Among her most celebrated students were Australian Ballet Principal Artists Garth Welch and Lucette Aldous.
David McAllister AC
Our esteemed patron David McAllister brings decades of international ballet excellence and visionary leadership to support Queensland's next generation of dancers.
Our people
