Ballet Beat Drop Challenge

Queensland Ballet & Suncorp Launch TikTok Challenge

TV Cameo and up to $5K Prizes to be Won!

Queensland Ballet and Suncorp are keeping the dance magic alive, launching the Ballet Beat Drop Challenge this month, set to get people moving and having fun.

The competition requires creativity and self-expression to perform the Ballet Beat Drop Challenge using the TikTok app or via an online web entry. Up for grabs are a range of prizes, including $5,000 cash grants, in-studio workshops with Queensland Ballet Junior Ambassadors and the opportunity to see your dance moves make it to the big screen.

Ten lucky participants will see their #balletbeatdrop shown on TV, aired during a special Queensland Ballet Christmas in July Nine broadcast, but participants will have to get in quick, as the special airs on July 25.

Set to a remix of The Nutcracker’s iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the choreography begins as graceful ballet, but when the beat drops, it switches to high-energy hip-hop. The challenge was choreographed by First Company Artist, Sophie Zoricic.

“I really enjoyed exploring the fusion of ballet and hip-hop, and deep at the heart of the choreography is a wish for all to get involved, whether you dance ballet, hip-hop or just love to move to music,” said Zoricic.

Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe, is hopeful that the entries will be entertaining and creative but above all, uplifting. “Ballet is all about movement to music, so to bring those elements together on a digital platform makes sense. We’re marrying traditional ballet with the technology of today’s generation. It’s very exciting and we can’t wait to see all those mini-performances online!” she said.

“We’ve run an annual promotion with Suncorp as part of our partnership since 2014. In previous years, the major prize has been a walk-on role in our annual Nutcracker for one lucky child, but since we had to move our entire season to 2021, we’ve taken the opportunity to do something different and we’re confident that this will reach more people and open-up participation. #balletbeatdrop is truly for all.”

Suncorp Executive General Manager Brand and Marketing, Mim Haysom said the Ballet Beat Drop Challenge is an excellent chance for Australians of all ages to express their creativity through dance.

“The creative industry has been impacted heavily in recent months and this initiative is a great way to encourage dance lovers to get active, and potentially win some great prizes for their participation,” Ms Haysom said.

There are two competition categories: Freestyle and Dance Studios. Freestyle is open to anyone, both nationally and internationally and can either be a solo, pair or group entry. And the Dance Studio category is only open to Queensland Dance Studios and must have a minimum of five participants and a teacher in the entry.

To enter, participants must watch the dance challenge on TikTok or on the Ballet Beat Drop website. Entrants can then record their own version showcasing their creativity and share on TikTok by tagging #balletbeatdrop or upload to balletbeatdrop.com for a chance to win.

Participants must be over the age of 13-years-old to have a TikTok account, and those under the age of 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian to enter. Entries for under-13s can be uploaded via their parent or guardian’s TikTok account – so long as they include an adult in their video and comply with TikTok’s strict safety guidelines. There is also a website entry option on balletbeatdrop.com.au for those who prefer the non-app option.

Queensland Ballet will never ask for personal details and will only send a direct message from one of its social media channels. Strict content moderation review processes are in place to ensure the safety of participants. For those intending to use their TikTok accounts, we encourage a thorough check of privacy settings. .