A New Era at The Australian Ballet School: Megan Connelly’s Vision for Dance Education

Published in Print March 2025 order now!

By Danielle Brown

Megan Connelly, the newly appointed Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet School (ABS), is a woman whose career and influence in the dance world stretch far and wide. After over three decades of involvement in dance education, she steps into this prestigious role with an unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent while also embracing a modern vision for the future of ballet. Connelly’s leadership draws on years of experience across multiple roles—from working closely with professional dancers to guiding students in the early stages of their training. Her approach is rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking innovation, creating an environment where classical technique can thrive alongside contemporary experimentation. 

In this in-depth interview, Connelly shares the insights and values that have shaped her career, her journey to The Australian Ballet School, and the transformative changes she envisions for the next generation of dancers. 

When asked about whether she always saw herself as a leader in the world of dance education, Connelly reflects on how her career has always been fuelled by a passion for teaching: 

“From the very start of my career, I felt an undeniable pull toward teaching. It wasn’t something I planned to do, but it was something that grew organically from my desire to help others, and my respect for the artform. Everything I’ve achieved in my career has come from a genuine love and curiosity for teaching and learning and being part of somebody’s unique journey of becoming.” 
Her natural curiosity about learning and teaching has been the foundation of Connelly’s career and continues to guide her leadership philosophy at ABS. As she reflects on the journey, she shares how this deep commitment to learning from others shaped her path: 
“The one constant through my career has been engaging with the how, what, and why of teaching and learning. It’s all about creating a space where both the teacher and the student grow together. When you’re teaching, you’re not just imparting knowledge—you’re constantly evolving, learning from the students and from the process itself.” 

This mentality has not only influenced her teaching but also her leadership approach. As Artistic Director, Connelly is passionate about authentically investigating best practice systems and approaches through collaboration and teamwork to achieve the broader vision for the School. 

One of Connelly’s key areas of focus is ensuring dancers are not only artistically trained but are also equipped with the tools they need to succeed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her experiences working with professional dancers, including those at the peak of their careers, has given her a profound understanding of the holistic nature of dance education. 

“Working with professional dancers for so long gives me a current and unique insight into the trends and needs of the industry, and what being ‘job-ready’ means for our students,” she explains. “But it’s not just about technique. It’s about understanding the demands of the body, the mental challenges, and the emotional resilience required to thrive in this world.” 

Through her coaching and rehabilitation work, Connelly learned that the path to becoming a great dancer is as much about mental fortitude and emotional intelligence as it is about physical excellence. She’s observed how the most inspiring performances often come from dancers who have moved beyond self-doubt and judgment. 

“When they’ve reached a point where the pressure of perfectionism is replaced by the freedom of expression, that’s when magic happens. It’s in those moments of vulnerability and authenticity that dancers can truly shine.” 

Connelly’s own experiences working with injured dancers and helping them recover have given her a deep respect for the mental and physical endurance required in this demanding art form. Her work with injured dancers who are eager to return to the stage taught her the power of resilience and adaptation, lessons she plans to pass on to her students. 

After spending many years working with professional dancers and in leadership roles in other parts of the dance world, Connelly’s return to The Australian Ballet School feels like a homecoming. 

“Returning to ABS has been such a natural and fulfilling transition for me. I’ve spent time in various parts of the dance world, but there’s something about being here, with young students at this formative stage of their journey, that energises me,” Connelly reflects. “It’s also been an opportunity to step back, listen, observe, and learn. We have deeply talented and knowledgeable teams throughout the organisation, and it’s important for me to absorb as much as possible before making decisions.” 

The role of Artistic Director at ABS is not one that Connelly takes lightly. She describes it as both a huge responsibility and a privilege. Rather than making immediate changes, her first step has been to foster relationships with the staff and students, creating an environment where feedback, collaboration, and innovation can flourish. 

One of Connelly’s most notable goals as Artistic Director is to challenge the traditional norms of gender in ballet and advocate for inclusivity. As she discusses this topic, it’s clear that she feels deeply about how ballet, traditionally a cisgendered art form, must evolve to reflect the world we live in today. 

“Classical ballet is historically a culturally binary, cisgendered art form, with deep traditions,” Connelly admits. “That said, the art form is evolving. It has to evolve to remain relevant. The world needs artists that reflect the community we live in. We can’t stay in the past. Ballet has to change to embrace cultural diversity and gender inclusivity, and we have an important role to play in that shift.” 

This sentiment is reflected in her leadership approach at ABS. Connelly is determined to create a learning environment that respects and supports all students. She views the school’s commitment to inclusivity as a critical step in making ballet accessible and relevant to everyone: 

“It’s about providing an inclusive space where all students feel welcome, where they can express their true selves and explore their potential without fear of discrimination.” 

Connelly’s work on gender diversity is not just theoretical; it’s a practical commitment. She actively engages with representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community and works with international counterparts to understand best practices for creating more inclusive environments in dance institutions.   

“After all, the schools feed the companies and I know that The Australian Ballet, and many other companies around the world, are committed to inclusivity and representation in ballet.”  

“We’re on a focused learning journey when it comes to gender diversity and inclusivity. It’s not just about changing our language or our teaching styles—it’s about creating real, tangible change. The process is ongoing, but we’re committed to making ABS a place where every student feels supported and celebrated.” 

Throughout her career, Connelly has been influenced by a number of figures who taught her the importance of combining artistry with compassion. She recalls some of her early mentors who helped guide her toward a deeper understanding of both dance and leadership: 
“The most influential people on my journey have been those who demonstrated humanity and compassion, both in their teaching and in their lives. They were not just experts in their field; they were people who cared deeply about the well-being of others.” 
She goes on to mention how her exposure to both traditional and modern teaching methods has been instrumental in shaping her current approach. Connelly reflects on how the most inspiring teachers were those who made each student feel seen and heard, rather than simply focusing on their technical proficiency. 

“I’ve been influenced by those who could transform a movement with a single word, a single idea. Those who saw the potential in each person and helped them unlock that potential through a deep connection to the art form.” 

Looking ahead, Connelly is filled with excitement about the potential for new initiatives and artistic projects at The Australian Ballet School. Connelly emphasises the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the school, citing the upcoming projects involving choreographers like Prue Lang along as a testament to the school’s commitment to bringing fresh perspectives and innovative works to its students. 

“We’re working on some exciting new collaborations that will bring new voices and new ideas to the stage. The integration of live orchestras and contemporary works alongside classical ballet will give our students an incredible opportunity to expand their horizons.” 

Despite her enthusiasm for contemporary innovation, Connelly remains deeply committed to the traditions of classical ballet. She understands the importance of keeping the foundational principles of ballet intact while also adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing dance landscape. 

“The future of dance education, especially in classical ballet, lies in maintaining a strong foundation while also being open to evolution. Our students must be grounded in the basics, but they must also be prepared for the challenges of an increasingly dynamic world.” 

She points to the school’s history of producing graduates who are versatile, adaptable, and capable of transitioning seamlessly into both classical and contemporary dance. Connelly sees this as the key to ensuring that ABS remains a world leader in ballet education. 

For young dancers and educators who aspire to take on leadership roles in the dance world, Connelly has words of wisdom that reflect her deep understanding of what it takes to lead effectively: 

“Leadership is about listening first. It’s about balancing vision with collaboration and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered. You can’t lead without learning from others, so be curious, be open, and always understand ‘the why; the purpose’ before making decisions.” 

As Connelly moves forward with her work at The Australian Ballet School, her commitment to nurturing future generations of dancers is clear. She’s excited about the year’s programming and how it will continue to push the boundaries of what students can achieve, both artistically and personally. 

“The next 10 to 20 years in ballet are going to be incredibly exciting. The future of our art form is in the hands of the next generation of dancers, and we are here to guide them as they find their voices, express themselves authentically, and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on stage.” 

With Megan Connelly at the helm, The Australian Ballet School is sure to continue being a leader in dance education, blending tradition and innovation to create a new generation of artists who will shape the future of ballet and beyond.