Horsham is set to experience an unforgettable night of world-class dance as The Australian Ballet returns to regional Victoria with Ballet Under the Stars, transforming City Oval into an open-air theatre for one spectacular evening on Saturday 21 February 2026.
Presented at Horsham Recreation Reserve (City Oval) and proudly supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund, the free outdoor performance continues The Australian Ballet’s commitment to making exceptional ballet accessible to communities beyond the capital cities. Against the sweeping backdrop of Victoria’s Wimmera region, audiences will be invited to gather under the summer sky for a celebration of classical mastery, contemporary innovation and shared cultural experience.
A program of beloved classics and contemporary brilliance
The 2026 program offers a rich cross-section of the Company’s repertoire, showcasing the depth, athleticism and artistry of Australia’s national ballet company. Audiences can look forward to elegant excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, including the Act III Polonaise and Grand Pas, alongside the ethereal precision of La Bayadère’s Kingdom of the Shades.
Technical virtuosity takes centre stage in Grand Pas Classique, a heritage showpiece renowned for its demanding choreography and refined musicality, while Flames of Paris brings fiery energy and theatrical flair. Ballet lovers will also welcome the long-awaited return of Grande Tarantella, a dazzling display of speed, stamina and joy that has long been a crowd favourite. 
Contemporary works and exciting premieres
Balancing tradition with innovation, the evening also embraces contemporary dance, featuring the Australian premiere of Marco Goecke’s Morpheus’ Dream. Set to music by Lady Gaga and Keith Jarrett, the striking duet showcases Goecke’s distinctive choreographic voice and emotional intensity.
The program will also include a world premiere by Yuiko Masukawa, winner of the 2023 Telstra Emerging Choreographer Award. The new work highlights The Australian Ballet’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and shaping the future of dance in Australia.
A rare behind-the-scenes glimpse
One of the most cherished elements of Ballet Under the Stars is the opportunity for audiences to witness the dancers preparing for performance. The evening begins early with class on stage, allowing attendees to watch the Company warm up to live piano accompaniment by Company Pianist Peter Wilson — a rare and intimate insight into the discipline and ritual behind the artistry.
A community celebration under the stars
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy food and drinks from onsite food trucks, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for families, friends and first-time ballet-goers alike. With no tickets required, the event offers an open invitation to experience ballet in a setting that feels both celebratory and deeply connected to place.
Artistic Director David Hallberg reflected on the significance of bringing the program to Horsham, the furthest Ballet Under the Stars has travelled in Victoria to date.
“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,” Hallberg said.
He added, “The beauty of these works belong in regional Victoria just as much as on our biggest stages. This program honours ballet’s traditions while looking to the future.”
Celebrating regional Victoria through the arts
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos also highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting its value to the local economy and community.
“A free, world-class performance is a pretty special way to showcase Western Victoria and it’s the kind of event that turns a day trip into a weekend stay.”
With its blend of artistic excellence, community spirit and natural beauty, Ballet Under the Stars 2026 promises to be a standout moment in Horsham’s cultural calendar — a night where ballet meets the open sky, and world-class performance is shared by all.
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