An adult ballet and contemporary dance festival in Melbourne

Train. Perform. Connect. Be recognised.

The AABC Adult Ballet Competition & Festival 2027 is an inspiring weekend of training, repertoire and performance created exclusively for adult ballet and contemporary dancers.

Presented by Adult Ballet Centre Melbourne, the festival will take place in Melbourne’s bayside in August 2027. Adult dancers can compete on stage at the Shirley Burke Theatre, join two Adult Ballet Centre classes at our Cheltenham studios, attend a Friday Repertoire Masterclass with Guest Artists, or combine all three experiences for a complete adult dance festival weekend.

The festival welcomes adult dancers across a range of experience levels, from beginners preparing for their first stage experience through to advanced dancers and those with former vocational or professional training.

Bayside Melbourne, Australia | August 2027

Festival Registration Is Required

Every dancer participating in the AABC Adult Ballet Competition & Festival must complete an individual Festival Registration and pay the applicable registration fee.

Festival Registration is required whether you participate in one activity or attend the complete three-day festival. It is separate from any additional fees for competition entries, masterclasses, feedback sessions or Saturday classes.

Each member of a duo, trio or group must complete their own Festival Registration.

Registrations are now open. Places are limited, and registration will close once festival capacity has been reached.

Build the Festival Experience That Suits You

There is no requirement to attend the entire weekend. Once registered for the festival, you can select the experiences that best suit your interests, training level and availability, or join us for all three days of experiences.

Three Days. One Complete Adult Dance Experience.

AABC unfolds across three carefully designed days, taking dancers from artistic exploration and shared training to performance on the theatre stage.

Friday 13 August - Artistry, Repertoire & Feedback

Begin the festival weekend at Adult Ballet Centre with dedicated ballet repertoire masterclasses designed for different adult training levels. Develop classical repertoire through coaching focused on artistry, musicality, interpretation and performance quality. These masterclasses are ideal for dancers seeking to deepen their repertoire experience or prepare for Sunday’s competition, but you do not need to be competing to participate.

All registered competition participants may book a private, one-on-one 15-minute feedback session. You will have the opportunity to present your piece, receive personalised and constructive artistic feedback, and revisit key sections to apply the guidance you have received.

These focused sessions are designed to help you refine your performance, strengthen your presentation and feel confidently prepared for the competition. There will be no clash with your Masterclass booking.

Location: Adult Ballet Centre, Arnold Street, Cheltenham
Join experienced guest faculty with professional company backgrounds.

Saturday 14 August - Training, Development & Connection

Train in professionally structured Adult Ballet Centre classes, develop your technique and connect with a welcoming community of adult dancers.

Visiting dancers can add two classes from ABC’s established and designed Festival Saturday timetable, selected according to their experience and training level. You will train alongside the Adult Ballet Centre community in our professionally equipped Cheltenham studios.

Guidance will be available for dancers who are unsure which class level will suit them best.

Location: Adult Ballet Centre, 3-5 Arnold Street, Cheltenham

Sunday 15 August — Theatre, Performance & Recognition

Step onto the stage at the Shirley Burke Theatre for an encouraging and professionally presented adult ballet and contemporary dance competition in Melbourne.

Competition participants will arrive for their scheduled section, take part in the included on-stage warm-up class and then perform before the adjudicators. The warm-up class will help dancers prepare physically while becoming familiar with the stage and theatre environment.

Thoughtful adjudication will recognise:

• Technique and quality of movement

• Artistry and musicality

• Interpretation

• Performance and presentation

• Individual development

Competition sections will include ballet, classical repertoire, contemporary dance, and open group performances with carefully structured categories reflecting different levels of adult training and experience.

Location: Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale, Melbourne
Date: Sunday 15 August , 2027

Priority Theatre Ticket Access

Registered participants will receive priority access to Sunday theatre tickets before they are released to the public, including one ticket at 50% of the standard price for the session in which they are not competing. Tickets are sold separately and remain subject to availability.

Be part of something bigger - together

Train in the studios. Step onto the stage. Share your artistry.

Connect with an adult dance community that understands the passion and commitment of continuing to dance.

Registrations Are Now Open

Create the festival experience that suits you. Join one activity or combine repertoire, training, feedback and performance for a complete three-day festival weekend.

Places are limited across masterclasses, classes, feedback sessions and competition sections.

AABC Adult Ballet Competition & Festival 2027
Presented by Arnold Street Studio, Adult Ballet Centre , Cheltenham, Melbourne. Supported by Australian Institute of Classical Dance (AICD)
Kingston Arts
Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale
Bayside Melbourne, Australia