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Ballet 101

Understanding ballet terms, hierarchy, and more

For the ballet-curious

What’s behind that enchanted world you see on stage? How did ballet evolve? What should you wear to a performance? Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this breathtaking art form.

2270953 TAB Don Quixote Nureyev Nathan Brook Artists of TAB Credit Rainee Lantry 1 — Senior Artist Nathan Brook with artists of The Australian Ballet, *Don Quixote* (Nureyev) 2023
Photo Rainee Lantry

Understanding ballet hierarchy

Decoding the ranking hierarchy for dancers and the history behind the structure.

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TAB Giselle Sydney Photo Kate Longley 2019 53 3 — Giselle, performed in 2019. Photography by Kate Longley

Going to the ballet

What to wear, when to clap, where to sit: we’ve got all the tips for a perfect night out.

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TAB Swan Lake Baynes Sydney Photo Kate Longley 2016 a43 1 — Swan Lake, performed in 2016. Photography by Kate Longley

A short history of ballet

The evolution of ballet spans half a millennium. In this short history, we explore some of its most important (and juiciest) developments.

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TAB Swan Lake Baynes Sydney Photo Daniel Boud 2016 aa61 1 1 — Swan Lake, performed in 2016. Photography by Daniel Boud

Ballet FAQs

Everything you always wanted to know about ballet.

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Blog

Delve deeper into the art form with dancer profiles, guides to our ballets, photo galleries, interviews and more.

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