Dance Academy (2010)
An Australian coming-of-age drama following young dancers chasing their dreams at Sydney's most demanding ballet academy.
Dance Academy - Series Information
- Original Title: Dance Academy
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Joanna Werner, Samantha Strauss
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (27 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 66
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese
- First Air Date: May 31, 2010 (United States - TV-PG), May 31, 2010 (Canada - C8), May 31, 2010 (Germany - 12), May 31, 2010 (France - 12), May 31, 2010 (Australia - PG), May 31, 2010 (Brazil - 10), May 31, 2010 (Mexico - AA), May 31, 2010 (Italy - T)
- Networks: ABC Me
- Alternative Titles: 舞蹈学院 (CN), Dance Academy - Tanz deinen Traum! (DE), Táncakadémia (HU)
- Production Companies: Werner Film Productions
- Production Countries: Australia, Japan
Dance Academy - Plot
At Sydney's National Dance Academy, a few talented youngsters are recruited for the excruciatingly tough course. It follows Tara Webster, a sheepfarmgirl who's ambition is to be the next best ballerina. Jewish long line of doctors' heir Samuel 'Sammy' and minor juvenile offender Christian are the outsiders but gradually fit in, making new kinds of friends. Star ballerina's daughter Kat also introduces them in the circle of last-year brother Ethan, who already aspires a career as choreographer. Also Abigail, a smart young girl who'll walk over dead bodies to reach the stars tries to sabotage everything and everyone.
Dance Academy - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for life inside the academy:
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Dance Academy - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Joanna Werner
- Samantha Strauss
Main Cast
- Xenia Goodwin
- Alicia Banit
- Dena Kaplan
- Jordan Rodrigues
- Tara Morice
- Thom Green
- Tim Pocock
- Isabel Durant
- Thomas Lacey
- Keiynan Lonsdale
Writers
- Samantha Strauss
- Sam Carroll
- Sarah Lambert
- Matt Ford
- David Ogilvy
Executive Producers
- Joanna Werner
- Bernadette O'Mahony
Dance Academy - FAQs
What is Dance Academy about?
Dance Academy centres on Tara Webster, a determined farm girl who earns a coveted spot at Sydney's elite National Dance Academy. Surrounded by fiercely talented peers — including a ruthless rival, a reluctant outsider, and a star ballerina's son — she must prove herself in a world where ambition and friendship constantly collide.
Is Dance Academy based on a true story?
Dance Academy is a fictional series, though creator Samantha Strauss drew on the real pressures and emotional landscape of elite performing arts training. The intense competition, physical demands, and personal sacrifices depicted reflect authentic experiences common among young dancers pursuing professional careers at conservatory level.
Where can you stream Dance Academy?
Dance Academy is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, and Peacock Premium Plus. You can also buy or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Cineverse, and Fawesome.
Who plays Tara Webster in Dance Academy?
Tara Webster, the show's determined protagonist, is played by Xenia Goodwin. It was Goodwin's breakout role, and her portrayal of a wide-eyed farm girl navigating the brutal world of elite ballet earned her a devoted following. She anchors the series across all three seasons with genuine warmth and conviction.
How many seasons does Dance Academy have?
Dance Academy ran for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, totalling 66 episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each delivered 26 episodes, while the concluding Season 3 wrapped the story in 14 tightly focused episodes. A feature film continuation, Dance Academy: The Movie, was released in 2017.
Is Dance Academy worth watching for adults?
Absolutely. While aimed at younger audiences, Dance Academy tackles surprisingly mature themes — grief, identity, eating disorders, and ambition — with real emotional depth. Its authentic portrayal of ballet culture and a genuinely compelling ensemble cast make it a rewarding watch for adults who appreciate character-driven drama.
Where was Dance Academy filmed?
Dance Academy was filmed primarily in Sydney, Australia. The production used the Sydney Dance Company's facilities and various Sydney locations to bring the National Dance Academy to life. The city's distinctive architecture and cultural landscape give the series a vibrant, authentic Australian identity throughout its run.
What shows are similar to Dance Academy?
Fans of Dance Academy often enjoy The Next Step, a Canadian dance drama with a similarly passionate young ensemble, and Blue Water High, another Australian teen series built around elite sporting ambition. For a broader coming-of-age feel, Degrassi Junior High and Shake It Up offer comparable drama and youthful energy.
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