Australian Ballet

For the ultimate ballet experience in Australia, be sure to see a production by The Australian Ballet, which is based in Melbourne.

Founded in 1962, this inspiring national ballet company has been delivering classical ballet with technical expertise for five decades. Lose yourself in the delicate romance of Odette and Prince Siegfried from Swan Lake, absorb the energy of Don Quixote or be mesmerised by the theatrical contemporary motion of Vanguard.

While based at The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre in Melbourne’s Southbank, the company is one of the busiest in the world and tours nationally and internationally to stage more than 200 performances each year.

As well as seeing a performance in the acclaimed Melbourne Arts Centre, visitors can take a one hour behind-the-scenes tour of the dance studios and see how rehearsals, costumes, lighting, stage management and direction combine to create on-stage magic. Dancers from the public can also sign up for workshops and master classes taught by company ballerinas.

Practical Info:

With close proximity to one another, in Melbourne’s Southbank precinct, The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre is at 2 Kavanagh Street, and the Melbourne Arts Centre is at 100 St Kilda Road.

Backstage tours are for ages six an above, costing $18 for adults and $8 for kids. Performance ticket prices vary depending on the production and session, and tickets can be bought online through the company website, or in person at Ballet Centre box office.

Getting there is easy: Flinders Street Station is only a 10 minute walk across the Yarra and the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle that loops through the city every half hour stops at the Arts Centre.