AABC 2026 Entry | Australasia Adult Ballet Competition
Registrations are now open DETAILS ARE BELOW
We're excited to introduce the newest and most dynamic Australasia 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!
At AABC, we recognise that every adult dancer's journey is unique. Years of training, frequency of classes, returning after time away — these all shape each dancer’s pathway differently.
We encourage you and your teacher or mentor to consider both your technical experience and personal confidence when selecting a category.
Choose the level that feels most supportive, inspiring, and exciting for you right now.
This is your time that you have carved out for your self, and we want you to feel welcome in a space that challenges you just enough while advancing and celebrating your growth, beyond your studio environment, enriching your dancing.
If you are unsure of your level, we recommend selecting the lower option. Festival staff will assess placement during the event and may recommend a change if appropriate, based on class availability and dancer experience.
ABOUT CHOOSING YOUR LEVEL
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To ensure a supportive and inspiring experience, all dancers must nominate their level when registering for the AABC Festival. Please use the following guide to determine the most appropriate level based on your recent ballet training and experience.Your teachers and mentors should also be a sounding board to help you.
This level system has been designed specifically for adult ballet dancers and reflects current, consistent weekly training, rather than age or previous professional background. All dancers must be over 18 to enter AABC.
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Level 1 – Introduction
Standard Term: Absolute Beginner
Base Training Hours: 0–1 hours/weekThis level is suited to adult dancers who are brand new to ballet or have less than one year of recent training. At this stage, we recommend attending the festival as an observer only.
To ensure the best possible experience, Level 1 dancers are encouraged to plan for participation in the following year’s AABC Festival. In the meantime, we warmly invite you to:
Join the final day of the Festival to observe on-stage classes,
Watch the AABC competition performances, and
Connect with the adult ballet community as a valued guest.
This is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with the environment, gain inspiration, and begin preparing for your AABC journey ahead.
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Standard Term: Beginner
Base Training Hours: 1–2 hours/week
Ideal for those who have completed introductory classes and are building confidence with the basic structure of a ballet class, barre work, and centre practice.cription text goes here -
Standard Term: High Beginner / Low Intermediate
Base Training Hours: 2–3 hours/week
You are familiar with ballet vocabulary, can complete full classes, and are developing technique in turns, jumps, and musicality. May be beginning pre-pointe or pointe work. -
Standard Term: Intermediate
Base Training Hours: 3–8 hours/week
You demonstrate secure technique and consistent participation in classes. You are comfortable with pirouettes, allegro, adage, and pointe work if applicable. -
Standard Term: Intermediate Adult
Base Training Hours: 3–8+ hours/week
You are a committed and experienced dancer with several years of training. You demonstrate performance confidence, strength, and control, and regularly participate in classes, workshops, or rehearsals. -
Level 6 – Advanced Adult / Pre-Professional
Standard Term: Advanced Adult / Pre-Professional
Base Training Hours: 3–8+ hours/week
This level is suited to dancers with higher level experience, former pre/ post company or conservatoire backgrounds, or advanced training as an adult dancer. You can confidently perform complex repertoire and demonstrate strong technical and artistic capabilities.
All Entry Sections and details
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Beginners Ballet and Contemporary Dance Section
Beginner Ballet (AABC Definition)
For adult dancers with 1 to 3 years of consistent ballet training who are progressing beyond the fundamentals.
This category is designed for those who:
Have developed a foundation in ballet vocabulary and technique
Are comfortable with a full class structure, including barre and centre work
Are working on basic turns, linking steps, and controlled allegro
May be beginning to explore pirouettes, jumps, and musical phrasing
Typically attend one to two ballet classes per week or more
This level celebrates the emerging adult dancer — those who have built foundational technique and are now progressing toward more complex movement, control, and confidence in their classical ballet practice.
Minimum of 2 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 (AABC Definition)
For adult dancers with more than four years and up to eight years of ballet experience.
This category is ideal for those who:
Have a solid foundation in ballet vocabulary and technique
Are confident at the barre and developing strength in centre work
Are refining skills such as pirouettes, adagio, and small allegro
May or may not be training en pointe (optional, not required)
Typically attend one to three classes per week, or equivalent over time
We understand that every dancer’s journey is unique. If you’ve been dancing for several years and are working steadily to develop your technique, coordination, and artistry, the Intermediate category will support and celebrate your progress.
Minimum of 2 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
Or 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 (AABC Definition)
For adult dancers with over five years of consistent ballet training.
This category is designed for those who:
Have developed a strong understanding of ballet vocabulary, technique, and musicality
Attend multiple ballet classes per week or have accumulated extensive experience over time
May train en pointe or have pointe experience (pointe work is optional, not required)
Are comfortable with centre work, pirouettes, adagio, allegro, and longer choreography sequences
We welcome a variety of training paths — whether you’ve danced for ten years once a week, or five years with regular weekly classes — if your technique and experience reflect a higher level of skill and control, this category is for you.
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 pointe 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.
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 two 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: Individuals must register for the AABC event and then add in their registration for the pas de deux or group, prices are inclusive
Note: All age groups and sections will be subject to enrolment numbers. We reserve the right to make adjustments to sections based on participant numbers.