The Australian Ballet

Book the Ballet Bundle and save 20% on Nijinsky and Carmen in Melbourne

Meet the Coryphées: Adam Elmes

037 Kunstkamer TAB Sydney credit Daniel Boud 1

David Hallberg and Adam Elmes, Kunstkamer (León & Lightfoot & Pite & Goecke) 2022
Photo Daniel Boud

Meet Adam Elmes, the coryphée whose dedication to dance is only surpassed by his love for his family.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing in an all-boys ballet/contemporary class my mum taught at the age of eight. Mum was determined to create spaces for boys to feel safe to explore dance and the boys-only hip hop class was a perfect example of her efforts. My older brother was a major supporter of mine, joining me in those early classes and making sure I wasn't going to be alone in the pursuit of my passions

When did you join The Australian Ballet?

I joined The Australian Ballet in 2020, straight into the cold embrace of the COVID-19 pandemic. My first two years didn’t look at all how I’d expected, but I have had such a fulfilling time in the years since. In the past four years I’ve certainly seen the highs and lows of working as a performing artist.

240611 Aus Ballet 2025 Kate Longley 642 1

Adam Elmes
Photo Kate Longley

When did you know you wanted ballet to be your career?

I knew I wanted to be a dancer since I was five. Perhaps it was because my mother and sisters were (and I’d do anything to be like them). I have a diary entry I wrote back in 2005 saying I would someday become a dancer. I didn’t decide to pursue ballet specifically until I joined The Australian Ballet School in 2016. I had always struggled with ballets rigidity and structure, but I slowly learned to understand how necessary that structure is to push your body and develop it in all areas of movement.

Carmen Sydney Act 2 Dim Adam April 17 BJ 8 1

Principal Artist Dimity Azoury and Adam Elmes, Carmen (Inger) 2024
Photo Brodie James

Do you have a dream role to dance? 

I am the type of dancer who falls in love with the roles as they are presented to me, learning them and developing a deep connection to the character. The roles I don’t see, so won’t have the opportunity to dance, I don’t have an attachment to, so the concept of a “dream role” doesn’t mean much to me. I had always dreamed of dancing repertoire from Nederlands Dans Theater and have been blessed enough to do that in my career, recently performing Don José in Johan Inger’s Carmen. I also had the honour of performing a featured role in Kunstkamer in 2022 opposite David Hallberg. I could have never imagined that as a possibility, even in my wildest dreams, but it really happened, and I am so proud of myself for that accomplishment.

Circle Electric Sydney Side Stage BJ 30 1

Adam Elmes, Circle Electric (Lake) 2024
Photo Brodie James

Who was your favourite dancer growing up?

My two older sisters were the reason I started dancing. They were (and still are!) my absolute favourites. I distinctly remember sitting in the audience at the Eisteddfod in Ryde NSW, while my sister Grace did her under 14 jazz routine to BirdFlu by M.I.A. and deciding that this was what I wanted for my life.

AB OSCAR 2024 DRESS 2 ND CRW 104 1

Adam Elmes and Jarryd Madden, Oscar© (Wheeldon) 2024
Photo Christopher Rodgers-Wilson

What’s something people may not know about ballet? 

Something very special about ballet is the connections that are forged with those you dance with. I have been blessed to know so many people during their most vulnerable, tired and emotionally charged states and this intensity bonds you more than I can explain. It’s because of these connections that I have found a family away from my home. I’m forever grateful that I’m able to share my passion, and experience the unique moments of live performance with my fellow dancers and audiences.

AB OSCAR 2024 DRESS 2 ND CRW 24 1

Adam Elmes, Oscar© (Wheeldon) 2024
Photo Christopher Rodgers-Wilson

What’s something people may not know about you? 

I’m a lover of puzzles, trivia and language. I'm always looking for a crossword to complete or a new escape room to smash (I’ve completed 40 escape rooms and counting). On a more sentimental note, I’m an uncle of four kids and I love them with all my heart!

To learn more about our dancers.

Our Dancers