Registrations are now open
We're excited to introduce the newest and most dynamic Australasian competition dedicated to adult ballet and contemporary dancers. This event is all about participation, unity, and celebrating the joy of dance for everyone, regardless of background or age. The AABC is here to support and encourage all who love to dance—join us in making this a memorable experience for everyone involved!
When: JANUARY 2026 MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.
All Entry Sections and details
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Beginners Ballet and Contemporary Dance Section
Beginner Ballet: you must have been learning adult ballet for less than three years.
Minimum of 3 to 5 + hours of ballet per week.
Age groups for each beginners section: Age 18 - 25 Age: 26 - 35 Ages: 36 - 45 Ages: 46 - 59
Masters Section: Ages: 60 +
You are welcome to enter the adult ballet and contemporary dance sections or choose between either section.
Adult Ballet Section: This section must be a piece of choreography devised by your principal ballet teacher in 1 - 2 minutes.
Contemporary Dance section: This section must be a piece of choreography devised by your principal ballet teacher in 1 - 2 minutes.
We recommend that your teacher choreograph according to your individual strengths and artistry (No repertoire).
The music for ballet should be a classical piece appropriate for the choreography and contemporary dance music without lyrics. Sound and voice-overs are allowed.
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Intermediate BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE SECTION
Intermediate Ballet: must have been learning Adult Ballet for more than four years but less than eight years.
Minimum of 3 - 4 + hours of ballet per week
Age groups for each beginners section: Age 18 - 25 Age: 26 - 35 Ages: 36 - 45 Ages: 46 - 59
Masters: Ages: 60 +
You are welcome to enter the adult ballet and contemporary dance sections or choose between either section.
Adult Ballet Section: A devised choreographed piece or appropriate variation to skill level from your principal ballet teacher. 1 - 3 mins.
Contemporary Dance section: choreographed piece or appropriate variation from your principal dance teacher 1 - 3 mins
Our enter the group, pas de deux or pas de trois
We recommend that your teacher/coach choreograph your strengths and artistry.
The music for ballet should be a classical piece appropriate for the choreography and contemporary dance music without lyrics. Sound and voice-overs are allowed.
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ADVANCED BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE SECTION
Advanced Ballet: must have been learning adult ballet/dance for over five years.
Minimum of 6 + hours of ballet per week
Age groups for each Advanced section: Age 18 - 25 Age: 26 - 35 Ages: 36 - 45 Ages: 46 - 59
Masters Section: Ages: 60 +
You are welcome to enter the adult ballet and contemporary dance sections or choose between either section.
Adult Ballet section: Repertoire piece chosen from your principal ballet teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins approx. *Please note that pionte is allowed in this section but must be approved by your ballet teacher/coach and follow safe dance practice.
Contemporary Dance section: Choreographed piece or repertoire from your principal dance teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins
We recommend that you teacher or coach choreographs to your strengths and artistry.
The music for ballet should be a classical piece appropriate for the choreography and contemporary dance music without lyrics. Sound and voice-overs are allowed in the contemporary dance performance.
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Former Pre- Professional / Professional Dancers BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE SECTION
Former Pre-professional/professional dancers: The dancer must have been a former Pre-professionally trained/ Professional Dancer and have regularly taken adult ballet classes. Please note that the AABC competition/festival is for former dancers only.
Minimum of 6 hours of ballet per week
Age groups for each Pre- Professional / Professional section: Age 18 - 25 Age: 26 - 35 Ages: 36 - 45 Ages: 46 - 59
Masters Section: Ages: 60 +
You are welcome to enter the adult ballet and contemporary dance sections or choose between either section.
Adult Ballet Section Repertoire piece chosen by yourself or from your principal ballet teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins approx. *Please note that pionte is allowed in this section but must be approved by your ballet teacher/coach and follow safe dance practice.
Contemporary Dance section: Choreographed piece chosen by yourself or repertoire from your principal dance teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins
We recommend choosing a piece highlighting your strengths by yourself or your teacher/coach, who choreograph your artistry.
The music for ballet should be a classical piece appropriate for the choreography and contemporary dance music without lyrics. Sound and voice-overs are allowed in the contemporary dance performance.
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Masters Section - 60 years plus
Masters open section: must have been learning Adult Ballet for over four years.
Minimum of 3 hours of ballet per week
Ages: 60 +
You are welcome to enter the adult ballet and contemporary dance sections or choose between either section.
Adult Ballet Section: Choreographed piece from your principal ballet teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins approx.
Contemporary Dance section: Choreographed piece from your principal dance teacher or coach 1 - 3 mins
We recommend that your teacher or coach choreographs to your strengths and artistry, including adjustments for physical restrictions.
The music for ballet should be a classical piece appropriate for the choreography and contemporary dance music without lyrics. Sound and voice-overs are allowed in the contemporary dance performance.
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Group Performance or Pas de Deux
Australasian Adult Ballet Competition: Group Dance and Pas de Deux. Section
The Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC) is excited to introduce a Group Dance or Pas de Deux Section, offering participants a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and teamwork. This section is open to adult ballet and dance enthusiasts of all levels, allowing groups to perform in a supportive and inspiring environment. The categories include Classical Ballet, Contemporary/Modern Dance, and Pas de Deux. Below is a detailed explanation of each category and entry guidelines:
Categories
1. Classical Ballet
Performances must adhere to classical ballet principles, showcasing technical precision, artistry, and traditional choreography.
Groups may include corps de ballet ensembles or smaller formations.
Costume and music choices should align with classical ballet traditions.
2. Contemporary/Modern Dance
This category allows for innovative and expressive choreography, incorporating modern dance techniques.
Participants are encouraged to explore dynamic movement, expressive intension, and unique interpretations.
Music choices can range from classical scores to contemporary compositions.
3. Pas de Deux
A category dedicated to duets that highlight partnership, synchronisation, and storytelling through dance.
Performances can range from classical pas de deux to contemporary interpretations.
Both partners must meet the AABC eligibility requirements for adult ballet class participation, with a dedicated teacher or coach to support the choreography.
Entry Guidelines
Eligibility: All participants must be aged 18 years or older and enrolled in an adult ballet or dance program. Previous professional experience is not required.
Group Size: Groups must consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 dancers, except for the Pas de Deux category, which is limited to 2 dancers.
Performance Length: Each group’s performance should not exceed 5 minutes.
Registration: Groups must register through the AABC online portal, providing details of their chosen category, group members, and performance details.
Fees: A group entry fee applies and must be submitted during registration.