Australian Dance Vision was founded by Sydney dance teacher Penny Lancaster who, in conjunction with other dance teachers, felt the need for a comprehensive assessment program which was Australian owned and developed and allowed students to progress at their own pace. Formed originally as the Ballet d'Action youth dance company to provide theatre experience for young dancers (which performed for 10 years with over 20 new original dance works). ADV's focus also moved to training areas for both students and teachers.

In the mid 1990's ADV became aware that there was a move within government for the registration of dance teachers. ADV developed several teaching and assessment syllabuses subsequently applying for accreditation for its courses with the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (NSW). By 1998 ADV's reworked syllabuses, now known as Certificates I-IV in Dance Performance Studies were accredited; that is they had been assessed against the Australian Qualification Training Framework and found to be suitable. This is the first, and to date, only young student dance programme that is VETAB accredited - Certificates I-IV in Dance Performance Studies 91249-91252NSW. Students as young as 12 years old may obtain a wonderful certificate. In 1999, ADV's new teacher's course was also accredited by VETAB and ADV became a registered training organisation.

ADV's other major role was as the parent company of Ballet d'Action. This local youth dance company aspired towards excellence, employed Australian choreographers and designers and gave its young participants (aged 9 to 25) a taste of the professional life of a dancer. Ballet d'Action is now in recess.