Queensland Ballet and RSL Queensland unite to support veterans through dance

This pioneering program is designed to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of veterans experiencing PTSD or other trauma-related psychological injuries.  

The eight-week program officially launches on Tuesday 8 April, offering veterans and current serving Defence members the opportunity to participate in sessions facilitated by experienced dance-teaching artists.  

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.  

The partnership between RSL Queensland and Queensland Ballet is designed to help veterans enhance their quality of life

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’s Deputy CEO – Veteran Services Troy Watson said RSL Queensland was proud to support Queensland Ballet in delivering the Dance for Veterans program in 2025. 

“This new partnership with Queensland Ballet will see a cohort of veterans, who may be experiencing PTSD or psychological injury, take part in an instructional program that references the historical connections between dance and military movements such as military parades,” Mr Watson said. 

Thanks to RSL Queensland's generous support, veterans can participate in the program at no cost. Mr Watson said RSL Queensland offered a variety of programs to enhance the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. 

“The Dance for Veterans program joins our suite of RSL Peer-Led Programs that are designed to offer mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and their families, whilst being guided by others with similar experiences.” 

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 Dance for Veterans program was piloted through a PhD research study by Dr. Rick Maher

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.