PAUL MALEK

Chairman & Co-Founder

Paul Malek is a visionary director, choreographer, and arts leader whose influence has shaped the landscape of Australian dance and performing arts. As founding Artistic Director of Transit Dance, he spent a decade pioneering industry-driven dance education, establishing the institution as a leader in elite training and performance-based learning. Now serving as Chairman of the Board, Paul continues to guide Transit Dance’s long-term vision, strategic growth, and commitment to artistic excellence.

Paul trained in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, before embarking on an international performance career that took him across five continents. By the age of 26, he had risen to dance captain, rehearsal director, and company manager, refining his skills as a leader both on and off the stage. Returning to Australia in 2006, he turned his focus to choreography, artistic direction, and entrepreneurship, founding Collaboration The Project—a platform dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging dancers and independent artists. Through this, he produced groundbreaking events such as UNDRGRND, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, and Project Y, alongside directing over 16 professional productions and tours.

A sought-after choreographer and creative director, Paul has worked extensively in television, stage, and commercial entertainment, with credits including Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance Australia, and large-scale corporate productions. His expertise in performance education and artistic development led him to co-found BOOM Media, a media and marketing company designed to empower artists, and MAPA Australia, a Melbourne-based dance training hub.

In 2015, Paul founded Transit Dance, recognising the need for a training institution that mirrored the realities of the professional industry. Under his leadership, Transit Dance became known for its immersive performance model, elite faculty, and world-class training programs, producing graduates who now perform and teach worldwide. As Chairman of the Board, Paul remains a driving force behind Transit Dance’s future, ensuring that it continues to evolve, innovate, and provide the highest standards of education, mentorship, and artistic excellence.

Beyond Transit Dance, Paul is a respected mentor, speaker, and photographer, dedicated to empowering the next generation of artists and creative leaders. His passion for storytelling, movement, and artistic collaboration continues to inspire dancers and industry professionals alike, leaving a lasting legacy on the Australian arts scene.