Dance Academy

Watch Dance Academy

  • TV-PG
  • 2010
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.0  (5,040)

Dance Academy is an Australian teen drama broadcasted on ABC3 from 2010 to 2013. The show primarily revolves around the life of a young girl named Tara Webster (played by Xenia Goodwin), who aspires to become a professional ballet dancer. The show follows Tara and her fellow dance students at the National Academy of Dance in Sydney, Australia, as they navigate the challenges and complexities of ballet school and daily life.

The series begins with Tara and her best friend Kat (played by Alicia Banit) receiving admission to the National Academy of Dance, which is considered to be one of the top ballet schools in Australia. The two girls, along with other aspiring dancers, begin their training under the guidance of their teachers, including the stern but passionate Miss Raine (played by Tara Morice) and the ex-dancer turned instructor, Ms. Keck (played by Isabel Durant). Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, from fierce competition and jealousy among students to the physical and emotional demands of the rigorous training regimen.

One of the central themes of the show is the relationship between Tara and her love interest Christian (played by Jordan Rodrigues), a rebellious, street-wise hip hop dancer. While they initially clash due to their vastly different backgrounds and dance styles, they eventually develop a close bond that inspires them to help each other grow personally and professionally.

The show explores various issues that teenagers face, such as family conflicts, friendships, romantic relationships, mental health, body image, and more. For instance, Tara struggles to come to terms with her perceived physical shortcomings and to balance her passion for dance with her desire for a social life. Kat grapples with parental pressure to achieve perfection and finds solace in her online community of fellow dancers. Meanwhile, Abigail (played by Dena Kaplan), an ambitious and competitive student, grapples with her demanding mother's expectations and her own insecurities.

Throughout the show, viewers watch the characters mature and evolve as they face triumphs and setbacks in their dance journeys. They learn to overcome adversity, form lasting friendships, and pursue their dreams while staying true to themselves. The series also showcases Australian culture and landscapes, adding an extra layer of richness and authenticity to the show.

Dance Academy was well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning numerous award nominations and winning several. It became a cult favorite among young viewers, who connected with the relatable characters, inspiring storylines, and breathtaking dance performances. Even after the show's initial run ended in 2013, it continued to attract new fans thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix.

In conclusion, Dance Academy is a must-watch show for anyone who loves dance, drama, and coming-of-age stories. With its talented cast, compelling plotlines, and gorgeous dance sequences, it delivers everything you could want in a teen drama and more. From the dazzling opening credits to the emotional finale, the show will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and thoroughly entertained.

Dance Academy is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (66 episodes). The series first aired on May 31, 2010.

Dance Academy
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Seasons
Not For Nothing
13. Not For Nothing
September 30, 2013
In their Company interviews, the students finally learn if they will receive a professional contract with the National Ballet Company.
The Perfect Storm
12. The Perfect Storm
September 23, 2013
Auditions for the Company have arrived, rousing superstitions, old rivalries and the performances that will determine the rest of the dancers' lives.
Start of an Era
11. Start of an Era
September 16, 2013
The final auditions are approaching, but the dancers learn it'll be a whole new playing field; Christian and Tara come to a resolution.
N'Fektd
10. N'Fektd
September 9, 2013
Christian and Ollie prepare for a major hip-hop competition, Kat prepares to audition for a minor role in Coppelia, and Ben takes a stab at revenge.
Don't Let Me Down Gently
9. Don't Let Me Down Gently
September 2, 2013
A career-making opportunity brings out the best and worst in everyone, and an injury that sidelines Ollie prompts him to use someone to get ahead.
Travelling Light
8. Travelling Light
August 26, 2013
The Third Years teach a class to a group of local kids, Tara feels old wounds re-opening, and Abigail has to face her past before she can let it go.
Graceland
7. Graceland
August 19, 2013
Grace seems to have found a perfect match with life on the road, until Zach clamps down on declining standards during the Third Year regional tour.
Fake It Until You Make
6. Fake It Until You Make
August 12, 2013
Abigail auditions for a guest role in a dance movie, while Grace does everything she can to ensure she's allowed to go on the Third Year tour.
Negative Patterns
5. Negative Patterns
August 5, 2013
Saskia schemes to arrange an early audition for her favorite student, but has disastrous results; Ollie creates a professional music video.
Short Cut Clause
4. Short Cut Clause
July 29, 2013
Ben has to choose between the girl he cares for and the opportunity to partner with a principal dancer, while Ollie challenges Abigail to a dance-off.
Second Chances
3. Second Chances
July 22, 2013
All is not well for Kat, who is desperately trying to pretend she's fine. Meanwhile, Christian's plans for a smooth return are derailed by the Board.
New Rules
2. New Rules
July 15, 2013
It's an overwhelming first few days for the fill-in dancers. Christian continues to shirk responsibility and avoid returning to the Academy.
Glue
1. Glue
July 8, 2013
Tara's plans for Abigail's surprise party clash with a tantalizing opportunity for Third Years to audition for the National Company's current ballet.
Description
Where to Watch Dance Academy
Dance Academy is available for streaming on the ABC3 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Dance Academy on demand at Amazon Prime, Netflix, Amazon, Hoopla, Apple TV, Tubi TV, Pluto TV and Peacock.
  • Premiere Date
    May 31, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (5,040)