Australasian Adult Ballet Competition (AABC) - FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ page for the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition! Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the event. If you have any further inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us.

1. What is the AABC?

The AABC is a premier dance event designed exclusively for adult dancers. It celebrates the art of ballet and adult dance by providing a platform for adult learners, from beginners to advanced levels and former pre-professionals and former professional dancers, to showcase their skills, passion, and artistry. The competition is open to dancers across Australia, neighbouring regions and internationally, fostering a supportive and inspiring dance community.

2. Who can participate in the AABC?

The competition is open to adult dancers aged 18 and above. We welcome dancers at various levels, including:

Adult Ballet Beginners to Advanced levels and former Pre-professionals and former Professional dancers ( at least 3 to 8 + hours of ballet/contemporary dance per week).

Participants will be grouped by age: 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-59, and Masters (60+). You can enter both the ballet and contemporary sections or compete in one category only.

Both Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance

Only: Classical Ballet

Only: Contemporary Dance

Pas De Deux, Pas De Trois and Group Dancers

Are the Masterclasses and Private Coaching all at the same venue as the Competition?

The Masterclasses and Private Coaching are held at the VCASS venue, a short walk from the train station or tram stop. Parking is limited on-site and nearby.

What are the different sections of the competition?

The competition is divided into several sections:

Adult Ballet: Dancers perform a repertoire or choreographed piece chosen by a principal ballet teacher/coach.

Contemporary Dance: Dancers can present a choreographed piece or a contemporary repertoire chosen by a principal ballet teacher/coach.

Pas de Deux and Pas De Trois dancers can perform repertoire or choreographed piece chosen by a principal ballet teacher/coach.

Groups perform traditional ballet, modern or culturally inspired dance pieces—between three and ten dancers on stage.

Advanced Ballet: Pointe work is allowed (with approval) for participants who meet the criteria. (Pointe participants have a handicap of 5 points.)

How do I register for the competition?

Register by visiting our official AABC Registration Page. Please complete all the required fields and submit any necessary information, including if you would like a phone call in regards to what section to enter if you arent sure.

5. What are the age categories?

Participants are divided into the following age categories:

18-25

26-35

36-45

46-59

Masters (60+)

Can I participate in more than one category?

Yes, participants can compete in the Adult Ballet and Contemporary Dance sections. However, participants must select in the registration separately for each category they wish to compete in.

Is pointe work allowed?

Pointe work is permitted in the ballet section for participants who receive prior approval by their ballet coach or teacher. This is limited to the Advanced Ballet/Pre-professional and Professional category. Please note that pointe shoes must be properly fitted, and dancers must have adequate training to ensure safety. There is a handicap rate of -5 points for pointe participants in those sections.

What should I know about music selection and guidelines?

All participants must provide their music for their performances. Please ensure that your music meets the following guidelines:

Music should be no longer than 3 minutes.

Submit your music file in a standard format (MP3, WAV) before the competition, there will be a deadline set for submissions 8 weeks before the competition date. All entries will be notified before hand and recieve instructions from our theatre technician.

Music must be appropriate for all audiences, with no offensive language or content.

If your piece requires multiple tracks, please ensure music is edited before submission ( we do dot provide music editing services) to ensure they are ready for the performance pieces.

What is the judging criteria? Participants are judged based on:

Technique and Precision: Execution of dance movements and adherence to the style.

Artistry and Expression: Ability to convey emotion and story through dance.

Choreography: Creativity and originality in the performance

Overall Presentation: Costume, music selection, and stage presence.

How can I prepare for the competition? To prepare, we recommend:

Attending regular classes and rehearsals.

Consult with your ballet teacher or coach to select a piece that showcases your strengths.

Practising your chosen routine consistently builds confidence, fitness and technique.

Consider private coaching and masterclasses to enhance your skills before the event.

What should I bring on the day of the competition? Please ensure you have:

Your costume(s) and all accessories in a soft suit carry bag.

Properly fitted dance shoes (including pointe shoes if applicable)

Music on a USB drive as a backup

Personal water bottle and snacks

Any necessary identification or registration materials

Will there be awards or prizes?

Yes, awards will be given to top performers in each category and age group. Special recognition will also be given for outstanding artistry, technical skill, and innovation in choreography. Additionally, select participants may be offered scholarships or further training opportunities with other performances and adult ballet schools, sponsorship packages and more.

How do I get more information or contact the organisers?

For more details or any additional questions, please contact Lee at contact@adultballetcentre.com or call +61 (0) 422070 674. You can also follow the social media channels for the latest updates. @adult_ballet_competition

We look forward to seeing you at the Australasia Adult Ballet Competition and wish you luck in your preparations!