A BALLET SCHOOL FOR KIDS & YOUNG ADULTS
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.
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.
Dresden Ballet Schulle
Australian Ballet School, Company Dancer with Queensland Ballet
Freelance Dancer
Principal with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet School
Royal Ballet School Graduate, The Australia Ballet
Sydney Dance Company, PreProfessional Year
Brussels International Ballet School
RNZB School, Coryphee with The Australian Ballet
Houston Ballet Academy, European School of Ballet
Silesian Theatre, Ostrava
Soloist with The Australian Ballet Royal Ballet School
Royal Ballet School, Sydney Dance PreProfessional Program
Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin
Graduate of English National Ballet School
Theatre Mageburg and Palast Berlin
Finnish National Ballet & WA Ballet
Dancer with Bejart Ballet, The Royal Ballet & WA Ballet
De Dutch Don’t Dance Division & Dresden Ballet Schulle
Freelance Dancer