General News
20 February, 2026
The Australian Ballet to take centre stage in Horsham
The countdown is on for the return of The Australian Ballet to Horsham this weekend, with a free main event, Ballet Under the Stars, at City Oval.
With a program that covers classics such as The Sleeping Beauty Act III Polonais and Pas de Deuxe and La Bayadère’s Kingdom of the Shades, there will also be contemporary dance with the Australian premiere of Marco Goecke’s striking duet Morpheus’ Dream.
With a hot day forecast for Saturday, the cool of the evening should make for brilliant conditions for enjoying world-class ballet against a beautiful Wimmera sky.
Anticipation has been rising, with everyone from the local council to dance aficionados excited, and the company looking forward to performing some of their favourite pieces in Horsham.
Artistic director David Hallberg said the regional location was worth the distance travelled.
“There’s something uniquely special about seeing the Company perform outdoors,” he said.
“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.”
Locals can also take part in the lead-up with free workshops run by the company’s education and outreach team at Avenue Dance Studio.
Children between three and five have the opportunity to explore The Sleeping Beauty through dance, music, costumes and characters on Friday at either 11-11.45am or 12-12.45pm, no previous dance experience necessary.
Later in the afternoon, seniors have the chance to participate in a more traditional ballet class with a gentle, structured dance experience, including exercises designed to build strength and mobility.
All levels, 60 years and over, are welcome between 1.30-2.45pm, with options to dance seated or standing, using a chair or barre, with a support person, or independently.
Finally, an adult ballet class for 18-year-olds and above will be held on Saturday between 3.45-4.45pm.
Bookings for all the classes are on the Australian Ballet website.
In addition, four young local dancers aged 12 to 18 were selected after a call-out to perform in a special curtain raiser at about 7pm, sharing the stage with artists from The Australian Ballet before Saturday night’s performance.
Education and Outreach producer Jasmin Dwyer said two of her team members visited in January and worked with the students to create a new performance, with the students also contributing their ideas.
“They created this show together,” she said.
“So it's really a beautiful collaboration between Horsham and The Australian Ballet.
“They've been really inspired by the piece of music, which is the third prelude from three preludes that's composed by Peter Brikmanis. He's one of the pianists at the Australian ballet, and he'll be playing the music live on stage as well.
“The idea was really to create something quite uplifting that welcomes everyone into the show.
“They've all been really excited and really dedicated. I know from our team coming up, they've loved working with the students. They've brought a lot of ideas, and they've been really committed to practising and making sure this piece is something that they're super proud to perform.”
Jasmin said for anyone who misses out, her team came out to Horsham quite often and “will be back later in the year as well, working in primary and secondary schools”.
A dancer herself for many years, growing up outside of Sydney, she said she had a personal motivation to see rural communities have a chance to participate in and witness this level of performance.
“It's not just what happens on stage, but also engaging with the community,” Jasmin said.
“And the Horsham community has been so welcoming and generous with their time, and collaborating on making this event the best that it can be.
“I think it's such a wonderful town to come to, and ballet is for everyone.”
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss was thrilled the event was nearing.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome The Australian Ballet to Horsham for Ballet Under the Stars,” he said.
“For a regional city like ours, having a company of this calibre make the trip to Horsham speaks volumes about the strength and spirit of our community, and the importance of bringing world-class arts experiences beyond the metropolitan centres.
“It’s set to be a fantastic evening under the stars, and a big night for Horsham – showcasing our ability to deliver major events and highlighting our region as a welcoming destination for visitors – so I encourage everyone to secure their free ticket and be part of this special occasion.”
Gates open at 4.30pm, and the pre-show activities and entertainment begin at 5.30pm, including a class on stage where you can peek ‘behind the curtain’ and watch the dancers warm up for the evening’s performance to live piano.
Bring a picnic to enjoy, however 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.
Further details about seating, pass-outs, food and accessibility – along with links for workshops and event booking – can be found online at bit.ly/26Ballet.
Ballet Under the Stars will start at 7.45pm on Saturday, February 21, and is a free, ticketed event.
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 book early.