Cultivating Dance Excellence

By Danielle Brown

Featured print issue: July 2024

Tracey Fleming, alongside Artistic Director Martyn Fleming, founded the QNB in 2007. Since its inception, they have transformed the school into a leading institution, offering part-time, full-time training and elite programs for young dancers, many of whom now perform globally.

Tracey is an expert in the Russian Vaganova Method of Classical Ballet, having earned her Senior Level Certificate with Distinction and a Diploma of Dance endorsed by the QLD Ballet Company. In 2010, she spearheaded the development of the QNB Conditioning Curriculum, adapting and refining the program to meet current industry standards. The physical strength and flexibility of students are a testament to the the success of these programs.

Tracey’s dedication to teaching has led her students to succeed in competitions and performances both in Australia and worldwide. She fully commits to each student, helping them achieve their personal goals and guiding them to prestigious schools around the globe.

During my visit to QNB, I had the privilege of sitting in on a class led by the talented and experienced educator Janette Mulligan. This class was a perfect example of how a teacher can set exercises that avoid unnecessary choreographic complexity while focusing on weight transference, foot articulation, and correct turn-out application. The exercises incorporated directional changes and weight transference at the barre, gradually increasing in difficulty in the centre. The students worked professionally and exhibited maturity beyond their years.

Future Developments and Adaptations:

Tracey and Martyn are continually evolving their programs to meet the changing needs of the dance industry. They are currently working on transitional programs for younger students, providing quality tuition, performance opportunities and private lessons to enhance their training. Unlike some institutions, QLD National Ballet emphasises a balance between, class-work, one-on-one coaching sessions, performing in full length ballets as well as elite competition participation, aiming for a healthy number of performances to build confidence and stage presence.

The extension program serves as a bridge to full-time training, focusing on professional class conduct, mindset development, resilience, and consistency. The goal is to provide a clear pathway from a young age, avoiding burnout while ensuring that training is fun and engaging. This approach balances the rigorous Vaganova technique with performance opportunities in various dance styles, including flamenco.

Interstate students are housed with local families, ensuring their well-being and facilitating direct communication with parents and guardians. The advertised faculty spend consistent, regular time with students, unlike some other training institutions that include guest teachers who spend very little time with students.

Parent and Student Engagement:

Tracey advocates for a holistic approach to dance education, emphasising the importance of communication and education. She believes in keeping parents informed and involved, maintaining an open-door policy for questions and updates. This transparency extends to pre-professional students, encouraging them to discover their unique voices, effectively communicate, and take ownership of their future paths.

The school also recognises the importance of social skills and family time, encouraging students to balance their training with personal development and family activities.

Customised Training:

Tracey tailors the training programs to suit the individual needs of each student, recognising that every cohort is different. This personalised approach ensures that students receive the best possible training and guidance, whether they aim for a professional career or have other aspirations.

Commitment to Excellence:

Tracey and Martyn are committed to providing top-level training and ensuring that their students are well-prepared for professional careers. They offer various programs, including night school for mainstream students and advanced diplomas, all designed to accommodate different levels of commitment and schedules.

The school’s philosophy includes a respectful transition for students coming from other schools, honouring previous teachers and the relationships fostered during those early training years.

Holistic Development:

At QNB, the focus is on developing well-rounded dancers who are not just technically proficient but also socially adept and mentally resilient. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive, balancing the demands of professional training with the joys of dance.

Tracey Fleming’s approach to dance education is comprehensive and student-focused, blending rigorous training with performance opportunities and personal development. Her commitment to excellence and holistic training ensures that students at QNB are well-prepared for successful careers in dance.