The Australian Ballet

Ballet Under the Stars

An unforgettable ballet experience

TAB2022 887 23 BUTS Web Assets 2

A free, family friendly event in Horsham

View performance times
  • Horsham Recreational Reserve
    Saturday 21 February 2026

    Gates open 4.30pm
    Performance 7.45pm

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Prepare for an evening of the very best in ballet as The Australian Ballet performs some of their favourite pieces in the highly anticipated return of Ballet Under the Stars. The free, family friendly event is heading to Horsham in 2026, where audiences of all ages can enjoy the thrill of live performance under the starry night sky at Horsham Recreation Reserve.  

A rare opportunity to see Australia’s national ballet company in this unique outdoor setting, the entertainment begins early with ‘class on stage’ where you can peek behind the curtain and watch our dancers warm up for the evening’s performance to live piano by Company Pianist, Peter Brikmanis.   
 
Ballet Under the Stars will delight audiences with a varied program of ballets covering the classic fan-favourites and more contemporary works. From David McAllister’s enchanting Act III Pas de deux in The Sleeping Beauty to the Australian premiere of Marco Goecke’s Morpheus' Dream, Ballet Under the Stars is a chance to experience exceptional ballet against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Wimmera region.  

The free all-ages event will be held at Horsham Recreation Reserve (City Oval) on Saturday the 21st of February 2026. 

Gates open at 4.30pm with pre-show activities and entertainment beginning at 5.30pm for a 7.45pm performance.  

Book tickets to Ballet Under the Stars

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Repertoire

La Bayadère excerpt, The Kingdom of the Shades
Choreography after Marius Petipa

Flames of Paris pas de deux
Choreography after Vasili Vainonen

This Moment
Choreography Yuiko Masukawa

Grand Pas Classique pas de deux
Choreography after Victor Gsovsky

Morpheus’ Dream
Choreography Marco Goecke

The Sleeping Beauty Act III, Polonaise and Pas de deux 
Choreography Marius Petipa and David McAllister

We’re so excited to bring Ballet Under the Stars to Horsham, the furthest this program has ever travelled in Victoria. There’s something uniquely special about seeing the Company perform outdoors. Audiences will see the breadth of the Company, the talent, strength and world-class athleticism of our dancers in works that are thrilling, beautiful and fun.

Artis­tic Direc­tor David Hallberg

Production credits

La Bayadère, The Kingdom of the Shades
Choreography after Marius Petipa
Staged by The Australian Ballet Artistic Staff
Composer Léon Minkus, arr. Lars Payne
The Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadère by Léon Minkus, arranged by Lars Payne, performed by Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Jonathan Lo. Copyright The Australian Ballet.

Flames of Paris Pas de deux
Choreography after Vasili Vainonen
Staged by The Australian Ballet Artistic Staff
Composer Boris Vladimirovich Asafyev
Costumes by The Australian Ballet Costume Department

This Moment
Choreography Yuiko Masukawa
Music Caroline Shaw, Plan & Elevation III–V
Costume design Ailsa Woodyard

Grand Pas Classique Pas de deux 
Choreography after Victor Gsovsky 
Composer Daniel-François-Esprit Auber 
Costumes The Australian Ballet Costume Department 
 
Morpheus' Dream 
Choreography Marco Goecke
Staged by Ludovico Pace and Madoka Kariya
Music Keith Jarrett Budapest Concert, Parts VII & VIII
Lady Gaga Bad Romance
Costume design Thomas Lempertz
Original lighting design Udo Haberland
Costumes courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada

World Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, February 26, 2025.
Originally staged for The Stuttgart Ballet as Nachtmerrie, June 19, 2021
 
The Sleeping Beauty, Act III Polonaise and Pas de deux 
Choreography Marius Petipa 
Production and additional choreography David McAllister 
Composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 
Costume design Gabriela Tylesova 
Original lighting design Jon Buswell 

Horsham Cast Sheet

Free workshops

Alongside Ballet Under the Stars, our Education and Outreach team invite you to give dance a try with a variety free dance classes for all ages. Classes are open to all levels of experience.

Dancing Story

Children ages 3-5 are invited to explore the story of The Sleeping Beauty through dance, music, costumes and characters. 

These workshops are designed to be accessible to all children regardless of learning styles or physical abilities. No previous dance experience is required. Expect to dance, hear a story, play games, and see costumes.

Note: Please only book one ticket per participant aged 3-5, supervising adults do not need their own ticket.

Friday 20 February 
11:00 — 11:45am

 

 

60+ Ballet Class

This dance class for seniors is an inclusive ballet class designed to provide a gentle, structured and enjoyable dance experience.

Exercises follow the barre and centre format of a traditional ballet class and include references to the music and productions of The Australian Ballet. Exercises are designed to build strength and mobility, improve balance, and increase hand-eye coordination, memory and musicality. All levels welcome! Multiple options will be provided to dance seated or standing with the support of a chair or barre, with a support person or independently.

Friday 20 February 
1:30 — 2:45pm

Adult Ballet Class (18+)

Explore the world of ballet with a fun, inclusive, ballet class for adults of all levels. Expect exercises at the barre and moving across the room, and references to the music and productions of The Australian Ballet. All levels welcome!

Saturday 21 February
3:45 — 4:45pm

For more information. Visit our FAQs here

Book free workshops

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Curtain raiser

The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach team is delighted to invite participants aged 13 – 18 (high school students), to take part in a Curtain Raiser opportunity for The Australian Ballet’s, Ballet Under the Stars. 

The Curtain Raiser performance will open Ballet Under the Stars, commencing on stage at 7:10pm.

Digital Program

View and download the 2026 Ballet Under the Stars Program 

Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to providing you with the best experience possible. Please be kind and respectful to our team and to those around you. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding to ensure your welfare and safety.

How do I book tickets?

Ballet Under the Stars is a free, ticketed event. Registrations will open on Thursday 11 December, 2025. When you register, your tickets will be issued and you’ll receive a confirmation. There is a limit of 10 tickets per registration. Capacity is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.  

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, we encourage you to make the most of the event and bring a picnic to enjoy during Ballet Under the Stars. Please keep in mind that no glass, large or sharp knives, or hard-sided eskies will be permitted inside the venue. BYO alcohol is not permitted; however, alcohol will be available for purchase at the event for patrons aged 18 years and older.

Can I buy food and drinks at the venue?

Yes — a range of food and drink will be available for purchase from on-site food vendors. Alcohol can be purchased and consumed only within the designated alcohol zone, and is available to patrons aged 18 and over (ID required).  

Pre-order gourmet hampers from Larder by Lyn here

Can I get a pass out?

Should you need to leave, please ensure you have your ticket with you to regain entry.

How will seating be organised?

Picnic rugs, floor cushions, and chairs lower than 20 cm are permitted. Larger camp chairs raised more than 20 cm from the ground are permitted only in the designated and clearly signed camp-chair area. Please note that this area will be positioned further from the stage to avoid obstructing the view of patrons seated on the ground. Shade structures are not permitted. Please note that, due to the nature of the event, you will be seated close to other patrons.

Is City Oval an accessible venue?

Yes. The event has been designed to accommodate attendees with accessibility needs. An accessible viewing area will be available, along with accessible and ambulant bathroom facilities. Designated disabled parking for permit holders will also be provided. 

Should you have specific accessibility requirements, please get in touch with The Australian Ballet by calling our customer experience team on 1300 369 741, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST, excluding public holidays. 

Where do I stay?

To find out about accommodation options, and other great experiences in the Horsham and Grampians region, click here.

Can I smoke / vape at the venue?

City Oval at Horsham Recreation Reserve is a smoke free venue, so please refrain from smoking or vaping at the event.

Will there be an AUSLAN interpreter?

Yes, an AUSLAN interpreter will be available. 

What happens if it rains?

Ballet Under the Stars will proceed in rain, hail, or shine. If an extreme weather event occurs, please keep an eye on event communications in case of cancellation. 
 

Security, safety and first aid

All event patrons will be responsible for their own belongings. Please do not leave any items unattended.  

All patrons enter the venue at their own risk. The Australian Ballet will not be responsible for any damage, harm or injury arising from your entry to the venue.  

Children under the age of 18 will only be permitted with an adult guardian.  

A clearly signed first aid tent will be located near the score board for any medical assistance.

Privacy Policy

The Australian Ballet may collect, use and disclose personal information in accordance with our Privacy Statement which is available at Privacy Policy | The Australian Ballet 

Photography, film recordings and security cameras will be operational throughout the event and all visitors consent that we may use any of the images or recordings taken of you, and anyone for whom you are responsible while at the venue. We are not obliged to use, broadcast or provide to you any such recording.  

Conditions of Entry

Conditions of Entry — Ballet Under the Stars

  • Entry is only permitted with a valid ticket/registration; free tickets must be obtained in advance.
  • Patron entry into the venue is entirely at the discretion of The Australian Ballet and partners and the right to refuse entry may be exercised.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
  • No glass, large or sharp knives, or hard-sided eskies permitted inside the venue.
  • BYO alcohol is not permitted; alcohol is available for purchase (ID required for 18+).
  • Picnic rugs, floor cushions, and low chairs (under 20 cm) are permitted; larger camp chairs are permitted only in the designated camp-chair area.
  • Glass not permitted onsite.
  • Shade structures and umbrellas are not permitted at the event.
  • Smoking and vaping are prohibited — the venue is smoke-free.
  • All patrons enter at their own risk and The Australian Ballet is not responsible for loss, damage, harm, or injury.
  • Please keep personal belongings with you; unattended items should not be left on site.
  • First aid services are located onsite; follow all directions from event staff as needed.
  • Ballet Under the Stars runs rain, hail or shine; in extreme weather the event may be cancelled at the organiser’s discretion — please monitor official communications.
  • Photography/video recording and being filmed by security cameras implies consent to use of images/recordings by The Australian Ballet. Please approach a staff member if you do not wish your image to be used.
Education and Outreach program general information
  • Location: 174 Firebrace Street, Horsham
  • No cost
  • Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Ballet attire is not required, but welcome.
  • Socks, ballet shoes, or bare feet are suitable.
  • Bring a water bottle.
  • All levels welcome, no experience is required.
  • Please let us know if you can no longer attend this free session, so we can open the spot to another participant.
  • Dancing Story - One ticket is required per participant aged 3-5, supervising adults do not need their own ticket.
  • Adults and Seniors – you are welcome to attend with a support person if this is required for your participation. Outside of this, we do not allow observers or audience.
  • If you have any specific access requirements, or further questions please let us know by emailing: [email protected]
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Ballet under the stars Kate Longley 0 G4 A2549 2016 64
Ballet under the stars Kate Longley 0 G4 A2730 2016 98 1
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TAB2022 887 23 BUTS Web Assets 2