<P> Series three followed the characters as third years at the Academy, competing for a contract with the dance company to become principal dancers . After the temporary contracts have been established, the third years go on tour for "Romeo and Juliet". </P> <P> Dance Academy is produced by Joanna Werner's film company Werner Films Productions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, Film New South Wales and ZDF for Germany . As of August 2012, airing rights to Dance Academy have been sold to 180 territories, airing on every continent except Antarctica . </P> <P> Casting for series one began in early 2009 in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney . All cast members had to be skilled in drama and dancing and had to cope with Australia's best choreographers . Filming began on 13 July 2009 and wrapped up in early November . The series premiere was originally planned for a mid-2010 premiere on ABC3, however, like Dead Gorgeous, the premiere was pushed to ABC1 on 31 May 2010 and ABC3 on 6 June 2010 . The first series premiered on Germany's ZDF on 26 September 2010 . </P> <P> Production of series two was officially green - lit by ABC and ZDF on 2 July 2010 . Casting calls were issued on 14 September 2010, and principal photography in Sydney took place between 31 January and 4 August 2011 . Series two premiered on ABC3 on 12 March 2012 and ran for 26 episodes, airing each week from Monday through Thursday, ending on 24 April . </P>

Are the dancers on dance academy real dancers