The Australian Ballet is extending its artistry far beyond the theatre, thanks to a powerful partnership with Qantas. Together, they have launched The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring world-class ballet experiences to high school students in outer suburban and regional communities. In its debut year, the program has already reached students across Wollongong, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, introducing young audiences to iconic productions such as The Nutcracker Act II, The Sleeping Beauty and the dynamic triple bill Prism. Now, as the program arrives in Sydney and prepares for a wider national rollout in 2026, The Australian Ballet and Qantas reaffirm their shared commitment to nurturing creativity, improving access, and inspiring the next generation through the transformative power of live performance.
At the heart of the Boarding Pass program lies a simple but profound idea: every young Australian deserves the chance to experience ballet at its finest. Students have already encountered some of The Australian Ballet’s most beloved repertoire—The Nutcracker Act II on tour, McAllister’s timeless Sleeping Beauty, and Prism, featuring works by William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins and Resident Choreographer Stephanie Lake.
This year, Sydney students will have the opportunity to experience both Prism and The Sleeping Beauty, marking the next chapter in a rapidly expanding initiative.
More than a ticket to the theatre, The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass offers students a complete creative immersion. Each participating school receives:
Premium A-Reserve tickets
Return transport
A video introduction to ballet
A pre-performance guide exploring story, character and design
A post-performance classroom resource to support reflection and discussion
Together, these elements ensure that students not only watch a performance—they engage with it deeply, gaining insight into the art form, its history and its creative process.
Artistic Director David Hallberg highlights the importance of access in shaping Australia’s cultural future:
“The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass is about more than just getting students to the theatre; it’s about giving them access to a world they may have never imagined. Every young person, no matter where they live, should feel that ballet, and the arts, belong to them.”
Hallberg also notes the program’s role in reconnecting young people with live performance:
“We’re offering something they can’t swipe past: the thrill, emotion, and connection of live performance.”
Qantas Group Chief Marketing Officer Petra Perry emphasises the airline’s longstanding commitment to the arts:
“Qantas has a long and proud history of supporting the arts in Australia… The Australian Ballet Boarding Pass is a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation, and we’re proud to help make it possible.”
For many students, the experience is life-changing. As Gemma Crighton, Oak Flats High School Head Teacher CAPA, shares:
“Experiences such as this can have a profound impact on their lives and overall wellbeing.”
The Australian Ballet’s partnership with Qantas continues to prioritise cultural connection, social sustainability and national accessibility. By breaking down financial and geographical barriers, the Boarding Pass program ensures that ballet can be experienced—and cherished—by young people across the country.
2025 Event Dates
Sydney, NSW – Prism
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Sydney, NSW – The Sleeping Beauty
Wednesday, 3 December 2025
2026 Program
New locations and dates to be announced soon.
