About Us
Youth Ballet WA (YBWA) is a leading pre-professional ballet school in Burswood, Western Australia, dedicated to providing elite ballet training for students aspiring to a career in dance. As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, we deliver a career-focused ballet program led by highly experienced industry professionals with backgrounds across performance, teaching and choreography. Our training follows the renowned Vaganova method (Russian ballet syllabus), internationally respected for developing strong technique, expressive artistry and overall strength. This method ensures our students build excellent posture, coordination, musicality and endurance—key foundations for success in the professional dance industry. We are also proud to offer ballet scholarships in WA for talented dancers who demonstrate exceptional potential but may face financial barriers in pursuing their training.
As a talent-led ballet academy, YBWA carefully selects students who show natural aptitude, dedication and a genuine passion for pursuing dance professionally. Our structured training environment, grounded in the Vaganova methodology, supports consistent technical progression while fostering discipline, resilience and confidence. Founded in 2005 by Sonya Shepherd, and inspired by the legacy of Terri Charlesworth, YBWA continues to build on a strong tradition of excellence in ballet education. Today, we remain committed to developing the next generation of professional dancers in Western Australia, equipping them with the skills, artistry and professionalism to succeed on national and international stages
As a talent-led ballet academy, YBWA carefully selects students who show natural aptitude, dedication and a genuine passion for pursuing dance professionally. Our structured training environment, grounded in the Vaganova methodology, supports consistent technical progression while fostering discipline, resilience and confidence. Founded in 2005 by Sonya Shepherd, and inspired by the legacy of Terri Charlesworth, YBWA continues to build on a strong tradition of excellence in ballet education. Today, we remain committed to developing the next generation of professional dancers in Western Australia, equipping them with the skills, artistry and professionalism to succeed on national and international stages