Adult Ballet Centre Showcase 2026
‘REFLECTIONS’
Featuring excerpts from Coppélia
In dialogue with the spirit of Serenade
PRESENTED BY THE ADULT BALLET CENTRE
A Performance of Elegance, Artistry, and Shared Expression
Step into an unforgettable Theatre experience of classical and contemporary dance as the Adult Ballet Centre proudly presents its 2026 showcase performance, Reflections.
This thoughtfully curated program brings together ensemble ballet and contemporary works that explore musicality, form, and collective movement. Classical excerpts draw on the clarity, restraint, and musical sensitivity of the ballet tradition, featuring adapted excerpts from Coppélia and works inspired by the atmospheric spirit of Serenade, alongside original contemporary choreography created specifically for adult dancers.
A Celebration of Adult Ballet and Dance
This annual showcase brings together dancers from across the Adult Ballet Centre community to perform in front of a warm and supportive audience of family, friends, and fellow dance lovers.
Whether you are a lifelong ballet admirer or experiencing ballet on stage for the first time, Reflections invites you into a world of poise, musicality, and shared artistry, celebrating what is possible when adults commit to meaningful, well-supported dance training.
Reimagining Classical Ballet
Rather than presenting traditional full-length repertoire, Reflections reimagines classical ballet through expressive ensemble choreography, elegant formations, and carefully structured movement. The work reflects the essence of Coppélia while honouring the training, progression, and dedication of adult dancers.
The focus is on clarity, musical responsiveness, and ensemble connection, allowing dancers to perform with confidence, presence, and enjoyment.
The Performance Experience
The showcase program includes:
Ensemble ballet works designed by Adult Ballet Centre teachers and coaches
Choreographed class ensembles across multiple levels, including pointe
Contemporary dance works
Selected adapted repertoire and limited solo opportunities
A full défilé, celebrating the entire performing community
Each work is choreographed with care, ensuring dancers feel supported and prepared to perform with confidence. Emphasis is placed on musicality, coordination, spatial awareness, and shared performance rather than individual pressure.
A Supportive and Inspiring Environment
Performing as part of an ensemble fosters connection, reassurance, and artistic growth. Rehearsals are structured and progressive, building confidence over time and culminating in a calm, rewarding theatre experience.
Additional rehearsal classes will be introduced into the timetable six weeks prior to the performance, as reflected in the 2026 schedule.
Performance Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026
Venue: Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale
More Than a Performance
Beyond the stage, the Adult Ballet Centre Showcase is a celebration of community. It offers dancers the opportunity to connect, support one another, and take pride in a shared enrichment and artistic journey.
Reflections honours the heritage of classical ballet while embracing a contemporary, inclusive approach, reflecting the Adult Ballet Centre’s belief that ballet is an art form that can be experienced with depth, dignity, and beauty at every stage of life.
Participation
All dancers who are regularly attending classes at the Adult Ballet Centre are warmly invited to participate in this showcase experience.
Participation requires consistent class attendance and rehearsal commitment to ensure a supported, cohesive, and positive performance environment for all dancers.
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you on stage in 2026.
Early Enrolments are now open
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L1 Introduction to Classical Ballet Please join your classmates in the inspired choreographed ensemble rehearsal class, on Saturday at 12pm
L2:Foundation and L3: Ballet Progression . Please join your classmates in the inspired choreographed ensemble rehearsal class, on Tuesdays at 8pm.
Level 3/4: Ballet Progression/Classical Development - Join the level 3 and 4 Repertoire on Mondays at 8:00pm, and/or the level 3/4 Ensemble on Wednesdays at 8pm
Level 4: Classical Development- Please join the level 3 and 4 repertoire on Mondays at 8:00pm or Thursday Ensemble rehearsal at 8pm
Level 5/6 Intermediate and Advanced dancers- Please join the level 5 and level 6 repertoire on Tuesday at 8:00pm, and/or the level 5/6 Ensemble on Thursday at 8.15pm
Monday ( Daytime) Open Ensemble class all levels at 12pm
Friday Ballet Extension and Repertoire Rehearsal will commence at 12.30pm
ADULT POINTE - Ensemble class Please join after your normal level 2 or level 3 pointe class on a Monday at 8.45pm (30mins)
CONTEMPORARY DANCE PERFORMANCE - Please join the rehearsal class every Saturday at 12.15pm
SOLO and Pas De Deux - Now closed
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Adult Ballet Centre Showcase Sunday 31st May, 2026
Rehearsals - 6 weeks starting week of Monday 20 April, 2026
An Ensemble Performance at the Adult Ballet Centre Showcase is a short, thoughtfully curated ballet created especially for our adult ballet dancers L1 to L6 in separate, ensembles. Performed together on stage, it celebrates the training, progression, and artistry developed within these levels, without the pressure of traditional ballet repertoire, but with the beauty of choreographed work especially for you
Rather than presenting a company-style work, the ensemble transforms classwork into performance, allowing dancers to experience the excitement of dancing on stage in a way that feels supported, appropriate, and deeply rewarding.
What the Ensemble Includes
Dancing Together
Dancers perform in unison and formations, creating a cohesive and expressive group performance that emphasises connection, musicality, and shared presence.Level-Appropriate Choreography
Each ensemble is carefully choreographed to reflect the technical and artistic focus of the level, from foundational movement quality and coordination to more developed phrasing and confidence.A Polished Performance Experience
The work is rehearsed, refined, and presented with intention. Think of it as ballet class evolved into a stage moment , recognisable, elegant, and confidently performed.
Why We Include Ensemble Performances
A Beautiful Way to Perform
Dancers experience the thrill of being on stage without the pressure of learning a full classical repertoire piece.A Window Into the Journey
Friends and family can clearly see what dancers are learning, how far they’ve come, and the strength, coordination, and artistry they’ve developed.Confidence Through Community
Performing together provides reassurance and support, no one is alone on stage. Teachers guide the process every step of the way. We are there with the whole time, it is very exciting!Designed With Care
Ensemble works are created by ABC teachers and coaches to suit larger groups and multiple levels, ensuring the experience feels calm, structured, and empowering.
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The repertoire at the Adult Ballet Centre Showcase refers to the choreographed ballet and contemporary pieces performed by adult dancers. These are polished, rehearsed works that highlight the artistic and technical aspects of traditional ballets. Including costumes and music. A wonderful and rare experience that we offer our adult dancers, inviting them into the world of the art or classical ballet performed by professional companies. All the Adult Ballet Centre teachers bring their professional stage experience to you!
What You Might See in the Repertoire:
Classical Ballet Repertoire
Adapted excerpts or Acts from famous ballets (e.g. Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, La Sylphide)
Neo-classical works or original classical-style choreography created specifically for adult dancers
Solos, duets, or group works based on traditional repertoire with simplified or customised choreography as needed.
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Now Closed for Enrolment - Coaching and Performing a Solo at the Adult Ballet Centre - Limited spaces for this in the showcase.
Working one-on-one with our professional teaching artists to learn and perform a solo is a deeply rewarding and technically enriching experience. It offers dancers the opportunity to refine their technique, elevate their artistry, and experience personal growth that is rarely found in most ballet environments. This is a unique and highly tailored service we proudly offer to our Adult Ballet Centre community.
Solo coaching is available to dancers in Level 3: Ballet Progression and above. At this stage, dancers have developed the foundational strength, technical ability, and developing artistic maturity needed to approach solo work with confidence and depth. The process of preparing a solo encourages independent learning, musicality, and expressive interpretation, all key milestones in a dancer’s journey.
If you’re looking for deeper growth in your dancing and want to challenge yourself, this is a valuable next step.
Please note: A minimum of 10 hours of private coaching commitment is a requirement.
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Key Dates:
Enrolments close at the end of March
Rehearsals commence the week of Monday 20 April
Defilé whole cast rehearsal Friday 22 April 6pm
Saturday 30 May 1pm Full Dress rehearsal 1pm Arnold Street Studio
Sunday 31 May Showcase Performance 1pm and 5pm at Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale.
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Theatre/Production levy costs $170 per person two performances, for everyone who is performing in the 2026 Showcase. Plus, your options for participation below.
ENSEMBLE - Six weeks of rehearsal classes, Studio Dress Rehearsal and Performance day totalling 8 classes- $275.50 including GST
REPERTOIRE - Six weeks of rehearsal classes, Studio Dress Rehearsal and Performance day totalling 8 classes- $275.50 including GST
CONTEMPORARY Ensemble - more fluid than classical ballet. Six weeks of rehearsal classes, Studio Dress Rehearsal and Performance Day. $275.50
POINTE - These classes are rehearsed after the normal pointe class with an additional cost. $88.00 including GST
COSTUMES - These will be mostly sourced through costume hire and paid for by each participating dancer. Costumes will depend on what piece you will be participating in. There will be associated costs related to the repertoire; the Adult Ballet Centre will do its best to keep this cost as low as possible for each participant. Between $50 and $140 per person.
Extra class rehearsals if needed - $30 per person TBC with your teacher and coach.
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Payment & Part-Payment Process
To make participation clear and manageable, we offer a structured part-payment option for the 2026 Showcase.
Step 1: Select Your Participation Option on the enrolment form
Choose the performance experience you would like to take part in and proceed to the payment page.Step 2: Secure Your Place
Pay the theatre production levy upfront. This confirms your participation and secures your place in the showcase.Step 3: Choose the Part-Payment Option
At checkout, select the part-payment option if you wish to spread the remaining balance.Step 4: Scheduled Payments Activated by ABC
The Adult Ballet Centre will activate your four-part payment plan, with the first instalment starting with in two weeks of enrolment. Instalments scheduled to conclude in the week commencing Monday, 18 May.This process ensures clarity, fairness, and a smooth experience for all participants while supporting thoughtful planning throughout the rehearsal period.
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Participating in a performance with the Adult Ballet Centre is an exciting and fulfilling experience that demands considerable coordination and financial commitment from both the organisation and the teachers. It is imperative that participants match this commitment to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all.
To align with the Adult Ballet Centre commitment, participants are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
1.Rehearsals - Attend all scheduled rehearsals. If you need to miss one, discuss it with your teacher. An extra rehearsal day/evening or private coaching can be arranged if necessary, incurring an additional cost.
1a. Class participation - Attendance in regular training classes is mandatory for all Showcase participants. This is essential to continuously develop their technique and fitness levels for performance. It's important to note that the showcase classes are not a substitute for regular open classes.
2. Community Support - Foster a sense of community by supporting and encouraging your fellow dancers. This shared experience is designed to be both bonding and enjoyable for everyone. A special event and memory.
3. Communication - Maintain open communication by reading all emails related to the Showcase. Staying informed ensures smooth coordination and successful production. Please ask us if you aren’t sure about anything.
4. Social Media Usage - Acknowledge the significant role of social media in our marketing, communications and community engagement. Adult Ballet Centre's official channels are managed exclusively by authorised personnel to uphold a consistent and professional brand image and a positive and caring ethos.
5. Withdrawal Policy - Understand that withdrawing from the Theatre Showcase production after payment does not warrant a refund. Production and theatre costs are incurred from the time of booking, covering expenses such as the theatre venue, technicians, and choreography development for classes.
6. Refund Policy - Refunds of 40% can only be requested due to illness or accident. To initiate a refund, send an email with a doctor's certificate attached. This policy addresses unforeseen circumstances and supports a fair and compassionate approach to participant well-being.
By adhering to these guidelines, participants contribute to the success of the performance and help maintain a positive and supportive environment within the Adult Ballet Centre community.














