New Horizons Through Dance and Mentoring: Inspiring Brighter Futures with Queensland Ballet

The power of mentoring, connection, and new experiences was on display through a recent partnership between Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation (IBFF) and Queensland Ballet, which delivered a four-week Onwards & Upwards wellbeing mentoring program for students from Kingston State College.

The pilot program brought together a group of young women studying dance, creating an opportunity to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and gain exposure to career pathways they may never have previously considered.

Facilitated by Inspiring Brighter Futures’ Youth Ambassador Elise Bell, the program immediately struck a chord with participants. As a former Kingston State College student herself, Elise was a familiar face to many of the girls, helping establish trust, relatability, and connection from the very beginning.

Throughout the four-week program, students participated in weekly two-hour mentoring sessions designed to strengthen wellbeing, foster personal growth, and encourage their future aspirations.

A highlight of the program was the opportunity to run the program in-house at Queensland Ballet’s home at the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. Students toured the impressive facilities, including backstage areas and professional rehearsal studios, gaining an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading performing arts organisations.

An important element of the program was the one-on-one mentoring relationships formed between students and Queensland Ballet employees. Mentors represented a diverse range of professional roles, including production management, executive support, marketing, administration, and professional dance performance.

While most mentors were participating for the first time, they embraced the mentoring experience with great enthusiasm. Strong relationships quickly developed, creating a safe space for students to ask questions, build confidence and learn from professionals who have travelled a variety of career pathways.

The impact extended beyond the formal mentoring sessions and created a ripple effect throughout Queensland Ballet’s workplace culture.

Queensland Ballet’s executive director Dilshani Weerasinghe said, “Wednesday became the most exciting day in the office, with our staff eagerly discussing what food they would bring to share with the students each week. 

“One mentor’s homemade cob loaf became a particular favourite and something the girls looked forward to every session.

“These simple moments of sharing food and conversation helped create genuine connections, excitement, and anticipation for both students and mentors.

“For many of these students, the experience was eye-opening. Some had never travelled into Brisbane’s CBD before and were amazed by the scale, professionalism and possibilities they encountered. The visit helped broaden their horizons and challenged them to think differently about what their futures could hold.”

One particularly touching example of the relationships formed came from a student who created personalised beaded keychains for every mentor involved in the program. She colour-coded one mentor’s keychain to reflect her favourite colours and personality, having noticed the mentor regularly wore red and black.

Students have invited their mentors to attend the upcoming Kingston State College Dance Showcase, providing another opportunity to celebrate their achievements and maintain the connections formed during the program.

Foundation chief executive officer John Godwin said the success of the Queensland Ballet pilot highlights the potential for future community-based mentoring partnerships across Queensland.

“Whether through arts organisations, sporting clubs or other community groups, these programs demonstrate the powerful impact that mentoring, belonging and exposure to new environments can have on young people.

“The Foundation is actively exploring opportunities to expand similar initiatives and is seeking partnerships with schools that offer dance programs, as well as organisations interested in creating meaningful mentoring experiences for young people.

“With additional sponsorship and community support, programs like this can help more young Queenslanders discover new possibilities, build confidence, and create brighter futures.”

The Foundation plans to hold over 80 Onwards & Upwards mentoring programs in 2026 in Queensland, with its more than 700 active volunteer mentors focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers. 

To learn more or donate, visit: inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828 440 [email protected]