Queensland Ballet and RSL Queensland unite to support veterans through dance

Queensland Ballet, in partnership with RSL Queensland, is proud to present Dance for Veterans, a pioneering program designed to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of veterans experiencing PTSD or other trauma-related psychological injuries.

The program draws upon the historical connections between military movement and ballet, using dance as a tool to encourage personal expression, build confidence, and develop new skills. Structured with progressive dance instruction and facilitated social interaction, Dance for Veterans offers participants a meaningful pathway to improved wellbeing.

Through the power of dance and social connection, the program fosters psychological, physical, and social health, providing a unique and supportive space for veterans to heal and grow.

RSL Queensland is proud to support Queensland Ballet in delivering the Dance for Veterans eight-week program twice in 2025, in April/May and September/October. Thanks to RSL Queensland's generous support, veterans can participate in the program at no cost as part of their Wellbeing Programs for Veterans.

The program will officially launch on the 8th of April, 2025, with Mr Troy Watson, Deputy CEO of RSL Queensland, leading the event.

"In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, it’s a positive time to highlight this mental health and wellbeing program for our veterans who need our support," Mr. Watson said.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek, on behalf of Premier and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli, said the State Government is proud to support Queensland Ballet and see the creation of the Dance for Veterans program.

“These specialised sessions facilitated by qualified teacher artists at the Thomas Dixon Centre aim to support veterans who experience PTSD or other trauma by combining dance instruction, personal expression and social connection,” Minister Langbroek said.

“With the help of RSL Queensland, this eight-week program is open to current or ex-serving Defence members and is free to eligible participants.”

Program Details

The Dance for Veterans program will be delivered across eight weeks at Queensland Ballet’s home, the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. It was first piloted in 2023 through a PhD research study by Dr. Rick Maher, conducted in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology and Queensland Ballet.

“Dance and the development of military tradition are ancient companions,” Dr Maher said.

“Louis XIV, considered the father of modern ballet, drew inspiration for early ballet technique from the movements of the body in combat.

“We are now again taking inspiration from this tradition to promote wellbeing factors such as psychological & physical health, social relationships, and environmental stability for our veterans. They served us, now we serve them.”

The program is facilitated by Queensland Ballet Teaching Artists and is specifically designed to be accessible and beneficial for veterans experiencing PTSD or other trauma-related psychological injuries.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Mr Matthew Lawrence, Ballet Master at Queensland Ballet, shared his experience:

"It was an absolute pleasure teaching dance to such a diverse group of servicemen and women. I think we were all a little nervous to see how the participants (having no dance experience) would take to the classes, but by the end of the training, we performed a dance piece for family and friends,” Mr Lawrence reflected.

“It was about Service, and what that meant to the participants; there was not a dry eye in the house. The cathartic, silently expressive power of dance was on loud display."

The first round of the Dance for Veterans program will conclude in May, with a second block scheduled for September 2025.

For more information and to register: visit the Queensland Ballet's Dance for Veterans page.