Swan Lake Summer : Beyond the Barre

The WA Classical Ballet Teachers’ Association Inc. is delighted to announce an exciting new initiative for January 2027:

Swan Lake Summer: Beyond the Barre

More than training

At its heart, Swan Lake Summer is about creating an environment where dancers can thrive.  The programme has been designed not only to develop dancers and empower teachers, but also to strengthen the partnerships between dancers, teachers and families that create lasting success.

Comprising three educational days and a performance day for students, parents and teachers, plus a dedicated teacher day, it is about asking questions, encouraging exploration, supporting communication and helping dancers build a deeper relationship with their art form.  Teachers will be invited into discussion and reflection on the realities and complexities of contemporary ballet education.

By involving parents and teachers with the students’ learning, Swan Lake Summer endeavours to take the education beyond the classroom with its innovative approach to teaching, holistic dancer development, community, and professional learning.

Whether a student dreams of a professional career or simply loves dancing, the programme aims to provide valuable skills, insights and experiences that will continue to influence their ballet journey long after the week has ended.

Bookings open 15 July 2026.  

Learn more with our information packs for students, teachers and parents

Student pack

Teacher pack

Parent pack

Explore your Swan Lake Summer Pathway

Senior Pathway

A full four-day artistic journey designed for intermediate and advanced dancers. This programme emphasises  communication, artistry, understanding, reflection and collaboration, along with technical prowess. Ages 11-13 and 14+ years.


Your pathway includes

  • Daily ballet technique 
  • EBAS 
  • Creative choreography
  • Artistic coaching
  • Dialogues and reflection
Junior Pathway

A summer programme where young dancers are encouraged to be curious, creative and confident while building strong, healthy foundations for their future training.  Ages 7-10.


Your pathway includes

  • Daily ballet technique 
  • EBAS 
  • Jazz, hip hop and lyrical
Teacher Pathway

Teacher learning is woven throughout Swan Lake Summer. Rather than limiting professional development to a single workshop, teachers are invited to observe the programme in action, experience its philosophy as it unfolds, and then come together on the final day to reflect, discuss and explore practical ways to apply those ideas within their own studios.

Your pathway includes

  • Observation and dialogues
  • Dedicated PD day
  • De-coding corrections
  • Movement initiation
  • Sustainable training
  • Collaborative discussions with faculty and colleagues 
Book here
Parent inclusion

Parents are invited to participate in their children’s learning  by observing any classes or dancer reflection sessions, and in a combined session on Wednesday afternoon specifically for them – a round table dialogue between teachers, educators, students and parents on exploring parental support mechanisms.  There is NO CHARGE for parent involvement, but we do ask you to book for seating purposes.

 

Parents are also encouraged to attend the informal showcase on Thursday afternoon to celebrate their child’s journey.  Fees for the Full Intensive include a free Bloch white leotard for female students (for use in the showcase).

 

If parents wish to make a special gift of attendance at Swan Lake Summer to their child, personalised gift vouchers are available for Christmas, birthdays or any other special occasion.  You will have the opportunity to request this when you make your booking.  

A beautiful way to give the gift of dance. 

 

meet your faculty

More teachers to come!   We will update as they confirm.

Scott Putman
dENISE nUNN
Amy Drew
HELENE GOWERS 
EMILY LIBBY
LAURA PEDRO
BOOKING INFORMATION

Please note that Early Bird prices are only available until 30 November 2026.   Bookings from 1 December 2026 will be charged at the standard rate.  The Family Discount is available when more than one child from your family has been booked in any age group for the Full Intensive Experience.

Single-day places may be released from 1 December, subject to availability after full-intensive registrations have been allocated.

Full Intensive experience
Senior Pathway

FEES

Full Intensive experience
jUNIOR Pathway

FEES

Teacher Immersion programme

FEES

Because great dancers are shaped by more than great technique.
Swan Lake Summer brings together inspiring faculty, thoughtful training and meaningful conversations with teachers and families to develop confident, expressive and resilient young artists—not just stronger dancers.

Beyond the Barre isn’t just our tagline—it’s the way we’ve designed every part of the programme.

At the centre of the programme is internationally respected master teacher Scott Putman, creator of the Elemental Body Alignment System (EBAS).Many summer schools focus primarily on technique and performance outcomes.

While technical development remains an important part of Swan Lake Summer, the programme has been created to explore a broader question:
How do we help dancers become not only stronger technicians, but more confident, expressive, resilient and self-aware artists?

The result is a unique learning experience that integrates ballet training, choreography, embodied learning, artistic development and meaningful dialogue between the people who support young dancers – teachers and parents.

The Elemental Body Alignment System (EBAS) is a somatic practice allowing dancers and movement artists to access a deeper understanding of the body’s functional mechanics, a recalibration of energetic pathways and increased overall strength and flexibility. 

It consists of a series of floor-based exercises designed for structural integrity and supported range of motion. Through anchoring and initiating movements via the pelvis, the body discovers its ability to efficiently articulate movement through experiential anatomy.

It is designed to prepare the body for working safely and efficiently, to improve range of movement, placement, rotation and extensions, and to create space within the body, freeing the spine and joints.

The work deepens the student’s understanding of where movement comes from, how to align the body and to build a physical consciousness of open pathways of energy for movement. The system helps the learner to override the central nervous system, creating new neuromuscular firings, supporting a greater understanding of sensorial technique.

Throughout the week, dancers will be encouraged not only to learn movement, but to understand where movement comes from, how it is organised within the body, and how technique can be transformed into artistic expression.

Learn more about EBAS, including testimonials and video.

Senior students (11+ years) will participate in 3 full days (Monday to Wednesday) of daily ballet classes, creative workshops, choreography and dance-making sessions inspired by the themes and music of Swan Lake. There will also be classes in character, contemporary and lyrical dance, and ballet mime.

Junior students (7-10 years) will have a fun and educational programme of classes running from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.

Each day will begin with a one-hour EBAS session for all students and conclude with guided EBAS stretching and reflection, allowing dancers to develop a deeper understanding of alignment, movement pathways and efficient use of the body.

Thursday will consist of a shorter day of classes and warm-up, in preparation for an informal performance (held at the studio) in the early afternoon.

Friday will be a dedicated Teacher development day.

Teachers will have opportunities to observe classes and participate in discussions throughout the week, culminating in a dedicated professional development day focused on teaching practice, communication, embodied learning and the integration of EBAS principles into ballet education.

These conversations recognise that a dancer’s development does not occur in isolation. When students, parents and teachers share understanding and work collaboratively, the learning experience becomes richer and more effective for everyone involved.

A programme for more than just students

One of the most distinctive aspects of Swan Lake Summer is its commitment to bringing together the entire ballet community.

Parents will be invited to participate in dedicated dialogue sessions with Scott Putman and other faculty members, exploring topics such as:

– Supporting young dancers
– Communications and corrections
– Building confidence and resilience
– Understanding different ballet pathways
– Navigating both recreational and pre-professional training journeys

The iconic ballet provides both inspiration and a creative framework for the programme.

As well as reproducing existing choreography, students will explore the themes, characters, atmosphere and artistic ideas behind Swan Lake through creative movement, dance-making and performance projects.

This process encourages curiosity, imagination and ownership, helping dancers discover not only how ballet works, but why it continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Book here

Swan Lake Summer: Beyond the Barre

11–15 January 2027
Perth, Western Australia

More than training. It’s transformation.

Support WACBTA

Help us continue investing in ballet teachers and dance education in Western Australia.

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your senior pathway

4 days • Daily EBAS • Technique • Creativity • Reflection • Showcase

Beyond technique.  Beyond tradition.  Beyond expectations.

Day ONE
aRRIVAL, FOUNDATIONS & DISCOVERY

Begin building the physical
and artistic foundations
that will support
the rest of your journey.

MORNING

  • EBAS
  • Classical technique
  • Pointe/pre-pointe

CREATIVE EXPLORATION

  • Character
  • Boys’ class
  • Ballet mime
  • Repertoire

CLOSING

  • EBAS stretch
  • Reflective dialogue
Day two
Explore, Develop & Refine

Explore new concepts for
creativity, expression and communication
 to enhance your artistic and technical understanding.

MORNING

  • EBAS
  • Classical technique
  • Pointe/pre-pointe

CREATIVE EXPLORATION

  • Choreography
  • Contemporary
  • De-coding corrections
  • Repertoire

CLOSING

  • EBAS stretch
  • Dancer reflection
Day three
Collaborate & Create

Focus on collaboration, communication and artistic exchange as you move beyond individual development towards a shared creative community.

MORNING 

  • EBAS
  • Classical technique
  • Pointe/pre-pointe

CREATIVE EXPLORATION

  • Lyrical
  • Boys’ class
  • Repertoire

CLOSING

  • Dancer reflection
  • EBAS stretch
  • Exploring parental support
Day four
perform & reflect 

 Celebrate everything you’ve learned
as we bring together all the
elements of our time together
in our final showcase. 

MORNING 

  • EBAS
  • Classical technique
  • Exploring artistry

SHOWCASE

  • Warm-up/run through
  • Performance
  • Final dancer reflection

Every pathway combines technical excellence with creativity, communication and personal growth.
  Individual session content may vary as the programme evolves.

your junior pathway

Dance each day • Make new friends • Try new styles • Create magic together

A joyful introduction to the Swan Lake Summer philosophy.

Discover.  Dance.  Dream.

Thoughtfully designed especially for younger dancers, the Junior Programme is a joyful three-day  dance adventure where curiosity, creativity and confidence are just as important as learning great technique.   Sessions will run from 9.00am to 2.00pm  daily.

Each day combines ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical and hip hop with movement exploration, musicality and inspiring repertoire inspired by Swan Lake. Along the way, dancers will also experience EBAS (Elemental Body Alignment System), helping them discover better alignment, greater body awareness and healthy movement habits in a fun, age-appropriate way.

The week concludes with a special family showcase, celebrating everything the dancers have explored, created and achieved together.

Day one
explore
  • Meet new friends
  • Discover new dance styles
  • Learn the first Swan Lake repertoire
Day two
create
  • Build confidence
  • Develop artistry
  • Keep adding to repertoire
Day three
SHIne
  • Polish your dances
  • Share your creativity
  • Get ready to shine
Day four
performance day
  • Family showcase
  • Certificates
  • Photos
  • Celebration

Every pathway combines healthy technique with creativity, confidence and personal growth.
  Individual session content may vary as the programme evolves.

your teacher immersion programme

Observe • Reflect • Collaborate • Take Ideas Home

Go beyond simply watching classes and immerse yourself in the philosophy behind Swan Lake Summer.

Throughout the week you’ll observe classes across all pathways, join professional discussions, explore EBAS, creativity, choreography and teaching strategies, and gain insight into how every element of the programme has been intentionally  designed to nurture confident, thoughtful dancers.

Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, practical ideas for your own studio, or simply the opportunity to reflect alongside other passionate teachers, the Teacher Immersion Programme offers a rare opportunity to step back, observe with fresh eyes and reconnect with your own teaching practice.

YOur four day immersion
Days ONE-four

Immerse • Observe • Reflect

Spend four days experiencing Swan Lake Summer from the inside.

Observe classes across all pathways, experience the philosophy in action, participate in discussions, explore EBAS (where places permit), and discover how every element of the programme works together to develop thoughtful, confident dancers.

Throughout the week there will be opportunities to ask questions, connect with faculty and fellow teachers, and reflect on how these ideas might enrich your own teaching.

  • Observe classes across all pathways
  • EBAS participation (subject to availability)
  • Reflective conversations with students and parents
  • Networking with teachers and faculty
Teacher Professional Development
Day five

Discuss • Share • Explore

A dedicated day designed especially for teachers.

Together we’ll unpack the week’s learning in depth, exploring practical teaching strategies, communication, artistry, healthy training principles, and ways to adapt the Swan Lake Summer philosophy within your own studio environment.

Sessions may explore:

  • De-coding corrections
  • Communication and student psychology
  • Understanding movement initiation
  • Alignment and co-ordination
  •  Artistic communication through movement
  • Sustainable training approaches
  • Discussion, questions and resource sharing


  Teachers will be invited into discussion and reflection on  the realities and complexities of today’s ballet training.
Individual session content may vary as the programme evolves.

Meet scott putman

Scott Putman is a choreographer, movement educator, director and writer integrating contemporary ballet and modern techniques into practices deeply influenced by eastern philosophy, neuro science and contemporary physics. 

He is the creator of the Elemental Body Alignment System© (EBAS) and Fundamental Conscious Movement (FCM); both of which support a holistic approach of remapping neural muscular pathways, expanding greater range of motion as well as encouraging qualitative expression for a more authentic and holistic movement practice.

Since graduating with a BFA in Dance and Choreography in from Columbia College, he has created dance works focused on the belief that choreography is the art of shaping energy in space. Scott has also danced with both modern and ballet companies such as Mordine and Company Dance Theater, Ballet Theater of Chicago, Minnesota Ballet, Demetrius Klein Dance Company as well as his own company Cerulean Dance Theater in addition to several independent choreographers such as Bob Eisen and Randy Duncan.

After extensive performing, Scott returned to the academic arena at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where he received his MFA exploring the parallels of modern physics and eastern philosophy as a vehicle of expression and physical training.

Directly after his time at UCI he was invited to join the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in the department of Dance and Choreography as a visiting professor which turned into a 22 year run as a tenured professor teaching across the curriculum in both the technical and creative tracks. During this time he continued to develop his choreographic vision with Amaranth Contemporary Dance and shared EBAS levels I and II with the student body.

Most recently Scott has turned to weaving his skills in Neuro-Kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Thai Body Work and Equine Assisted Learning under the umbrella of Emerald Energetics which focuses on movement, sound, light and equine assisted wellness. He continues to create three dimensional kinetic landscapes for professional dance companies and universities world wide.

Meet denise nunn

DENISE NUNN began her dance training in NSW and, after achieving her Solo Seal (RAD), was awarded the RAD Scholarship for Australia to train at the Royal Ballet School, London

Invited to take up a long-term contract with the Royal Ballet Company Covent Garden, London, Denise performed all the classic favourites and shared the stage with famous names such as Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Her soloist and principal roles included Princess Stephanie in ‘Mayerling’ and most notably the created role of Vera in Sir Frederick Ashton’s ‘A Month in the Country’ where she was partnered by Sir Anthony Dowell and the created pas de deux, partnered by Wayne Sleep, in ‘Fourth Symphony’ by John Neumeier, Director of Hamburg Ballet Co. Denise was also a member of the Australian Ballet Company, where she performed in Don Quixote,Scheherazade, Raymonda, Les Sylphides and created role in ‘Beyond Twelve’ by Graham Murphy in Australian and overseas tours.

In recent years Denise has taught and choreographed for noted ballet schools from children to professional level. Having always had a keen interest in ballet technique, she has drawn upon her studies of both the English and Russian systems of Ballet Training, specifically the work of the renowned teacher, Eileen Ward who herself studied extensively with Vera Volkova, an exponent of the Vaganova tradition.

Meet amy drew

Amy Drew grew up in Perth, Western Australia where she trained at The Graduate College of Dance and then the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

After graduating, she toured as Odette/Odile in the Tasmanian Classical Ballet Company’s Swan Lake and then in Singapore with Odyssey Dance Theatre before taking the plunge and moving to Europe.

She was Principal Dancer at the National Ballet of Ireland for 6 years where she created lead roles in many ballets including Romeo and Juliet, Die Fledermaus, Dorian Gray and Salomé among others. She was also a core member of their educational team which sparked a life long love of teaching.

She then spent 7 years as Principal Dancer, teacher and choreographer with the English Youth Ballet where she danced the lead roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and her favourite, Coppélia. However, her main inspiration here was acting as a role-model and coach for emerging young dancers as they explored the idea of life in this tough profession.

Amy now has a varied career as a freelance teacher, dancer and singer in London and works regularly at the Royal Opera in Covent Garden. She is constantly inspired, surprised and learning from her students and her two year old twin nephews are her own greatest teachers!

“I have a passion for inspiring young dancers to reach their potential through musicality, storytelling and freedom of movement combined with precision and discipline. I believe the joy of dance is not just in technique, but in taking your audience on a journey with you- wherever you may go!”

Meet helene gowers

Helene was trained by Madame Kira Bousloff AOM (ex-Ballet Russe and founder of the West Australian Ballet), Kiril Vassilkovsky (also Ballet Russe), Louis Moreno and Shelley Rae.

Helene has been the Artistic Director of the WA Junior Ballet Company, Serenade Ballet Company, Bunbury Academy of Dance, guest teacher at West End Academy of Dance, the State Gymnastic team at the University of WA, Sports Department and guest teacher for the Summer Dance programmes. She has travelled to Europe to study and observe the teaching methods of some of the world’s best teachers including the Cecchetti Centre in London, Singapore Dance, The Australian Ballet School and The Royal Ballet School.

Over the years Helene has trained twelve of the state’s Cecchetti Associate Teacher members and now coaches all levels of the Cecchetti syllabus, travelling all over the state to promote the Cecchetti Method. Her choreography is included in the National Syllabus.

Over the years, Helene has been involved in many fund-raising activities including Children helping Children, the Dance Concert for Ukraine and support for teachers and dancers’ scholarships towards further training.

Helene is the State Representative and Chair of the Lucie Saronova Memorial Award, to the National Council of Cecchetti Ballet Australia Inc. and Chair of WA Classical Ballet Teachers’ Association. She runs her own ballet school and is also responsible for organising many of the courses, workshops and conferences held in Perth for the dance community, including “Swan Lake Summer” in 2027.

Helene Gowers is a Fellow of Cecchetti Ballet Australia – Cecchetti International Classical Ballet and Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management and Training and Assessment.

MEET EMILY LIBBY

Emily Libby is the Director of Precision Institute of Dance in Perth, Western Australia. A passionate educator with over a decade of teaching experience, Emily specialises in developing strong, versatile dancers through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence, strength and conditioning, flexibility training, injury prevention, and performance development.

Emily holds qualifications across dance education, personal training, sports nutrition, and flexibility coaching, allowing her to bring a unique evidence-based perspective to dance training. She is committed to helping dancers reach their full potential while maintaining healthy, sustainable training practices.

Throughout her career, Emily has worked with students ranging from recreational dancers through to elite performers, state representatives, and pre-professional students. Her choreography and coaching have produced award-winning results at competitions and examinations across multiple genres, including lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and acrobatics.

Known for her energetic teaching style and ability to connect with young dancers, Emily strives to create an encouraging environment where students can build confidence, artistry, resilience, and a lifelong love of dance.

Emily is excited to be teaching for the WACBTA “Swan Lake Summer” intensive and looks forward to sharing her passion for movement, creativity, and performance with the next generation of dancers.

Meet laura pedro
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Laura Pedro began her dance training at the age of five at the Pio-X Conservatory of Music and Dance in Jundiaí. She went on to complete her formal dance education at the prestigious Halina Biernaska Ballet Academy, establishing a strong foundation in classical ballet and performance.
 
Laura holds professional dancer qualifications from the Union of Dance Teachers of São Paulo State, International Character Dance “ICDS” Accredited Teacher, Bolshoi Academy Vaganova Syllabus Method Practitioner Character Level 1 and is a full member of the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also a registered teacher of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and a certified instructor in the Elemental Body Alignment System (EBAS).
 
Her extensive performance and choreography experience spans international borders. She has performed with the Pio-X Dance Company and the UNICIRCO Circus Company as both a dancer and choreographer, and has worked as a professional dancer for Magic Life Resorts in Turkey and Greece. In Australia, her credits include choreographer and artistic director for Kuerazo Latin Dance Productions, guest soloist with Perth City Ballet, dance captain and performer in ICW’s production of The Phantom of the Opera, and ensemble member with the acclaimed TRACKSUIT Dance Company.
 
She is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and recently completed the first level of the Character Dance Teacher Training with the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy.
 
A passionate advocate for character dance, Laura has trained extensively under Ms Alida Segal and is proud to be the first accredited teacher in Australia in the “International Character Dance Syllabus,” based on renowned Igor Moiseyev Russian Ensemble.
 
With her rich international background and dedication to excellence, Laura brings depth, artistry, and inspiration to the next generation of dancers in Western Australia.

Meet Scott putman

Scott Putman is a choreographer, movement educator, director and writer integrating contemporary ballet and modern techniques into practices deeply influenced by eastern philosophy, neuro science and contemporary physics. 

He is the creator of the Elemental Body Alignment System© (EBAS) and Fundamental Conscious Movement (FCM); both of which support a holistic approach of remapping neural muscular pathways, expanding greater range of motion as well as encouraging qualitative expression for a more authentic and holistic movement practice.

Since graduating with a BFA in Dance and Choreography in from Columbia College, he has created dance works focused on the belief that choreography is the art of shaping energy in space. Scott has also danced with both modern and ballet companies such as Mordine and Company Dance Theater, Ballet Theater of Chicago, Minnesota Ballet, Demetrius Klein Dance Company as well as his own company Cerulean Dance Theater in addition to several independent choreographers such as Bob Eisen and Randy Duncan.

After extensive performing, Scott returned to the academic arena at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where he received his MFA exploring the parallels of modern physics and eastern philosophy as a vehicle of expression and physical training.

Directly after his time at UCI he was invited to join the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in the department of Dance and Choreography as a visiting professor which turned into a 22 year run as a tenured professor teaching across the curriculum in both the technical and creative tracks. During this time he continued to develop his choreographic vision with Amaranth Contemporary Dance and shared EBAS levels I and II with the student body.

Most recently Scott has turned to weaving his skills in Neuro-Kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Thai Body Work and Equine Assisted Learning under the umbrella of Emerald Energetics which focuses on movement, sound, light and equine assisted wellness. He continues to create three dimensional kinetic landscapes for professional dance companies and universities world wide.

Meet Scott putman

Scott Putman is a choreographer, movement educator, director and writer integrating contemporary ballet and modern techniques into practices deeply influenced by eastern philosophy, neuro science and contemporary physics. 

He is the creator of the Elemental Body Alignment System© (EBAS) and Fundamental Conscious Movement (FCM); both of which support a holistic approach of remapping neural muscular pathways, expanding greater range of motion as well as encouraging qualitative expression for a more authentic and holistic movement practice.

Since graduating with a BFA in Dance and Choreography in from Columbia College, he has created dance works focused on the belief that choreography is the art of shaping energy in space. Scott has also danced with both modern and ballet companies such as Mordine and Company Dance Theater, Ballet Theater of Chicago, Minnesota Ballet, Demetrius Klein Dance Company as well as his own company Cerulean Dance Theater in addition to several independent choreographers such as Bob Eisen and Randy Duncan.

After extensive performing, Scott returned to the academic arena at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where he received his MFA exploring the parallels of modern physics and eastern philosophy as a vehicle of expression and physical training.

Directly after his time at UCI he was invited to join the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in the department of Dance and Choreography as a visiting professor which turned into a 22 year run as a tenured professor teaching across the curriculum in both the technical and creative tracks. During this time he continued to develop his choreographic vision with Amaranth Contemporary Dance and shared EBAS levels I and II with the student body.

Most recently Scott has turned to weaving his skills in Neuro-Kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Thai Body Work and Equine Assisted Learning under the umbrella of Emerald Energetics which focuses on movement, sound, light and equine assisted wellness. He continues to create three dimensional kinetic landscapes for professional dance companies and universities world wide.