Victorian State Ballet

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By Danielle Brown

In 2025, the Victorian State Ballet (VSB) marks its 10th anniversary since its relaunch—a milestone that not only celebrates longevity but underscores the vision, tenacity, and artistic leadership of Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michelle Cassar de Sierra. In a landscape where sustainability and accessibility in ballet are constant challenges, VSB has emerged as a beacon for pre-professional dancers, regional audiences, and industry collaborators alike.

Over the past decade, VSB has achieved what few others have: a fully touring ballet company that delivers exceptional productions to both metropolitan centres and the farthest reaches of regional Australia. Under Martin and Michelle’s leadership, VSB has established itself as a professional launchpad for emerging dancers, a cultural lifeline for rural communities, and a home for artists who don’t conform to a singular mould.

“In reflecting over the past decade, we have certainly faced some huge challenges, great ups and great downs,” Michelle says. “The most significant challenge was certainly the pandemic… the uncertainty of our industry recovering was significant. Seeing and supporting our dancers through this was also a great challenge.”

Yet out of those challenges emerged incredible momentum.

“Some significant milestones over our 10-year journey have been seeing the past four years of sell-out seasons Australia-wide and building our annual season to approximately 80 shows per year… I believe our greatest success has been experiencing happy audiences returning each year to see the company.”

VSB’s commitment to artistic integrity is matched by its deep focus on accessibility. The company has established a strong presence in rural Australia, delivering full-scale ballets to audiences who might otherwise never experience them.

“We believe at VSB that no matter where we perform—from the biggest city venue to the smallest rural venue—that everyone deserves to see the finest production, quality artists, and high-level choreography,” Michelle shares.

“Audiences have been so grateful that we come to perform each year… we hold this very dear.”

That ethos of equity is also seen in VSB’s dedication to maintaining artistic excellence without pricing out audiences.

“Everyone who is a part of VSB understands the vision and mission of the company,” she explains. “Ten years of building great audiences and venue relationships goes hand in hand with excellence and affordability for each demographic.”

When the pandemic halted live performance, Michelle’s leadership ensured the company remained cohesive, connected, and creatively active.

“We held daily classes on Zoom and continued to provide routine for the company. We also had online gatherings, parties where everyone would bring food and we’d play games together—mostly in pyjamas! This was a great support strategy… Staying in contact with our venues and some government funding kept the company afloat.”

These moments of human connection—onstage and off—are at the heart of what makes VSB so unique.

At the core of VSB’s long-term sustainability is a pipeline of education programs that prepare dancers for life as professionals. The Victorian State Ballet Academy oversees multiple training streams, all grounded in Vaganova-based technique and tailored for different stages of pre-professional development.

“Some programs we’ve developed include our Extension Programs (ages 14–16), our Pre-Professional Program now in its 10th year, and the Associates Program. These programs are a platform into the VSB main company or other professional pathways and organisations.”

These aren’t just technique classes. They’re immersive, whole-dancer pathways that align with the demands and realities of company life.

“These programs act as a foundation for future employment with VSB,” Michelle says. “They are also a vital and highly informative way for the young dancer to fully understand the demands of this profession… This is what sets apart our programs from other places.”

VSB’s repertoire is rich with both classical and contemporary works, often fusing tradition with modern relevance—a hallmark of Michelle’s choreographic style.
“First of all… I pray for inspiration!” she laughs. “My choreography looks deeply into the characters within the story… Understanding the characters brings the right perspective to build the choreography on, in terms of connecting tradition with modern day. The dancers are also a great inspiration.”

That collaborative spirit is echoed in the company’s outreach programs. VSB’s Principal Artists frequently lead onstage workshops and Q&A sessions in regional towns, offering local dancers rare access to professional mentorship.

“These are great fun and to hear the questions young aspiring dancers ask is very insightful,” Michelle reflects.

Senior Artist Alana Puddy has been with VSB since its inception, and her career reflects both the company’s artistic standard and its deep culture of support.

“Being part of VSB from the very beginning has been a deeply meaningful part of my life,” she says. “It’s where I’ve grown not only as a dancer but as a person… Each experience has helped shape me into a more grounded and resilient artist.”

Her career highlights include Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and sharing the stage with her sister—a rare and treasured memory.

“Stepping in last-minute for an injured dancer was daunting, but it turned into a moment I’m truly proud of.”

Soloist Julia Pigou, originally from Christchurch, is now in her ninth season with VSB.

“Over this time, VSB has become much more than just a company to me. It is very much my home,” she shares. “It’s a real privilege to dance among people who inspire me every day.”

Julia also champions the company’s outreach and educational programs.

“I love being involved in workshops for aspiring students and connecting with audience members from all walks of life at our meet-and-greet events.”

And when asked to reflect on her favourite memories?

“There are so many… but my first soloist role in Les Sylphides at our 2018 Gala stands out. Also Swan Lake at the Palais Theatre in 2023—performing cygnets with my Mum and Dad in the audience. But honestly, it’s the little moments: the support in the studio, the backstage camaraderie… those are what stay with me.”

Principal Artist Elise Jacques, who joined VSB in 2016, reflects on her journey with the company:

“Being part of VSB has been so incredibly special to me over the past nine years. The Company is a family that supports each other and has the vision of sharing iconic Classical Ballets and our own repertoire ballets throughout Australia. Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing and being part of the growth of VSB from my initial contract as a corps de ballet dancer to my current role as Principal Artist. I recall my first year with the Company, which had at that time minimal dancers, to what is now a flourishing Company with over 30 contracted dancers performing to sold-out shows Australia-wide.”

She continues: “It is a true testament to Martin and Michelle’s vision to bring ballet not only to major cities in Australia but to regional areas where the opportunity to enjoy professional ballet performances are not as plentiful. It has been my life-long ambition to reach the pinnacle of a ballet company as Principal Artist, and in 2023 my dream was achieved. Thank you to Michelle and Martin for this privilege and belief in me as a dancer.”

Elise’s most cherished roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Clara in The Nutcracker at the Palais Theatre.

“The role of Belle was created for me in 2018, and I am grateful to Michelle and Martin for this unique opportunity. My most challenging roles as a dancer would be the characters of Kitri in Don Quixote and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, all of which require strong technical and artistry skill. I am blessed to have a job that I truly love, and I look forward to watching the Company grow from strength to strength over the next 10 years, firmly establishing their presence as a Ballet Company with talented and passionate dancers who bring the storytelling and enchantment of Ballets to both adults and children to inspire their love of ballet.”

Michelle is clear-eyed and ambitious about what the next decade will bring.

“I have some very ambitious goals ahead,” she says. “Always to continue reaching more communities nationwide, financial growth and expansion for the dancers and artistic team, and to one day move into a larger venue as we are experiencing significant growth each year.”

Through a mix of visionary leadership, authentic community engagement, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, Victorian State Ballet has become not just a dance company, but a movement—one that elevates artists, educates the next generation, and brings ballet to the people, wherever they may be.

Victorian State Ballet’s 10th anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and persistence align. For industry leaders and pre-professional dancers alike, VSB stands as a model for what ballet can look like in the 21st century: accessible, ambitious, and deeply human.

Upcoming Events:
Victorian State Ballet’s 10-Year Anniversary Triple Bill Gala
Date: Thursday, 30th November 2025
Venue: The Round
Auditions for Season 2026
Date: Sunday, 21st September 2025
Programs: Company Positions, Pre-Professional & Graduate Artist Programs
Location: Melbourne
Register at: www.victorianstateballet.org.au/auditions