Steven Heathcote AM, ballet star and triple Helpmann Award winner, spent twenty years as Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet. After retiring from the stage in 2007 he appeared in Bruce Beresford’s ‘Mao’s Last Dancer’ and has been involved in the direction of three operas.

In 2014 he returned to The Australian Ballet as Ballet Master, coaching and mentoring company dancers. He is now helping other young dancers by being part of the selection panel for BBM Youth Support Awards for Ballet.

Steven Heathcote AM received the BBM Global Industry Scholarship for Ballet in 1984.

“It was like someone handing me a key to experiences beyond my imagination.

Visiting the Royal ballet Company in the UK and observing the world’s best ballet dancers at work, opened my eyes to the level of talent I could aspire to. I saw the artform at its pinnacle and learned from some of the world’s greatest dancers, teachers and choreographers at work both in the rehearsal studio and on stage. I was awed and inspired by what turned out to be a critical turning point in my early career.

Over thirty years later I continue to be influenced by my scholarship, particularly when it comes to teaching and mentoring young dancers. Thanks to my scholarship I know how important it is to invest in the talent of our future generations and help them aim higher.

The BBM scholarships help illustrate on a global stage how significant dance is as part of the cultural fabric of Australia by recognising and growing emerging talent in the field.

As Ballet Master at the Australian Ballet, I am now, along with some of my fellow past BBM scholars, involved in mentoring & developing Australia’s leading dancers. So it really is the scholarship that keeps on giving!

Applicants need to demonstrate a level of proficiency in their technique and artistry which indicates they have the required attributes to enter the profession. Along with this, it is important for applicants to be able to articulate what is important to them and what their values are, not just as a dancer but as a member of the community.

Any individual fortunate enough to receive a BBM Global Industry Scholarship will most likely embark upon a life changing experience which will shape not only their future but all those they go on to influence later in life.”