For more information about studying dance at Australian Dance Institute and exploring our international programs, visit our dedicated website: Australian Dance Institute International.
In the 1990s, Penny and her husband John Lancaster collaborated with the NSW Board of Studies in NSW, writing and assessing the HSC Classical Ballet Syllabus. During that time, she observed that students would benefit and enjoy learning about dance history, body science, choreography and career education from a young age. This would create an awareness of the realities of a dance career, serve as a preventative measure against eating disorders and give positive outcomes and life skills. These are still significant elements that are not always present in the drive for elite talent.
Penny Lancaster significantly contributed to the CUA10 and CUA13 training packages. As a leading industry expert, she used her extensive experience to align these training packages with various dance syllabuses through a detailed mapping process, ensuring they reflected true industry standards and provided a thorough framework for dance education.
In 2020, Marguerite Barber took over as CEO of Australian Dance Institute. Under her leadership and with it’s wonderful team of trainers, Australian Dance Institute has continued to advance its mission and expand its reach. In 2024, the Australian Dance Institute achieved a significant milestone by being recognised as an international college. This new status allows students from around the globe to travel to Sydney and study dance at Australian Dance Institute, broadening the institute’s impact and fostering a diverse community of dance professionals.
The Australian Dance Institute was founded by Sydney dance teacher Penny Lancaster, a pioneering figure in Australian dance education. Penny began her classical ballet training at the age of three and continued her professional development at the renowned Scully Borovansky School in Sydney. She was one of the first Australians to receive the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teaching Diploma in the early 1980s. After a distinguished career in theatre, film, television, and advertising, Penny established her own dance academy. Over 25 years of running the academy, she identified the need for an Australian-owned and developed dance assessment program. Her vision was to provide a holistic dance education that allowed students to progress at their own pace, incorporating dance history, body science, choreography, and career education.
In 2009, Australian Dance Institute transitioned from the Australian Dance Vision (ADV) initiative to become an independent Registered Training Organisation (RTO). During this period, Australian Dance Institute donated its intellectual property to Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA) and other governing bodies. This donation led to the creation of Australia’s first government-accredited, industry-specific dance training package, setting new standards in the field.
In the 1990s, Penny and her husband John Lancaster collaborated with the NSW Board of Studies in NSW, writing and assessing the HSC Classical Ballet Syllabus. During that time, she observed that students would benefit and enjoy learning about dance history, body science, choreography and career education from a young age. This would create an awareness of the realities of a dance career, serve as a preventative measure against eating disorders and give positive outcomes and life skills. These are still significant elements that are not always present in the drive for elite talent.
Penny Lancaster significantly contributed to the CUA10 and CUA13 training packages. As a leading industry expert, she used her extensive experience to align these training packages with various dance syllabuses through a detailed mapping process, ensuring they reflected true industry standards and provided a thorough framework for dance education.
In 2020, Marguerite Barber took over as CEO of Australian Dance Institute. Under her leadership and with it’s wonderful team of trainers, Australian Dance Institute has continued to advance its mission and expand its reach. In 2024, the Australian Dance Institute achieved a significant milestone by being recognised as an international college. This new status allows students from around the globe to travel to Sydney and study dance at Australian Dance Institute, broadening the institute’s impact and fostering a diverse community of dance professionals.
The Australian Dance Institute was founded by Sydney dance teacher Penny Lancaster, a pioneering figure in Australian dance education. Penny began her classical ballet training at the age of three and continued her professional development at the renowned Scully Borovansky School in Sydney. She was one of the first Australians to receive the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teaching Diploma in the early 1980s. After a distinguished career in theatre, film, television, and advertising, Penny established her own dance academy. Over 25 years of running the academy, she identified the need for an Australian-owned and developed dance assessment program. Her vision was to provide a holistic dance education that allowed students to progress at their own pace, incorporating dance history, body science, choreography, and career education.
In 2009, Australian Dance Institute transitioned from the Australian Dance Vision (ADV) initiative to become an independent Registered Training Organisation (RTO). During this period, Australian Dance Institute donated its intellectual property to Innovation and Business Skills Australia (IBSA) and other governing bodies. This donation led to the creation of Australia’s first government-accredited, industry-specific dance training package, setting new standards in the field.
Penny Lancaster’s legacy of excellence in dance education endures through Australian Dance Institute, which remains committed to providing high-quality training that prepares students for successful careers in the global dance industry.
