Ballet Connect

A ballet symposium for all those interested in ballet.

Watch the Irish National Youth Ballet perform along with invited guests Youth Ballet West from Galway and High Points Youth Ballet from Belfast.

Listen and take part in a Q&A with industry leaders including:

• Lindsay Ashe-Browne (INYB)

• Zoë Ashe-Browne (Freelance)

• Leigh Alderson (Cottbus, Germany)

• Anne Maher (Ballet Ireland)

• Ruadhri Maguire (Freelance)

• Nicola Kilmurry (Freelance)

• Lisa McLoughlin (Arts Council)

• Moderated by Prof. Aoife McGrath (Queen's University).

The day will also include exhibitors to speak with and take info packs from, including RAD, ISTD, ARBTA, IBTA, Irish Board of Dance Performance, Inchicore, BIFE, College of Dance, and University of Limerick.

Ballet Connect 2026: Full Weekend Schedule

This performance is part of a flagship weekend of dance at the RDS. Explore the other scheduled events and masterclasses:

• Saturday, 25th April | 11:30 AM AAB Performance Awards Showcase (Levels 8 & 9) at the RDS Concert Hall, featuring internationally adjudicated classical variations by INYB.

• Sunday, 26th April | 12:00 PM Ballet Connect: Live Performance Showcase The weekend’s main stage production featuring the full INYB company.

• Sunday, 26th April | 3:30 PM Leigh Alderson Masterclass An exclusive technical workshop with international guest faculty (Observation tickets available).

• Dance teachers seeking continuing professional development (CPD)

• Ballet students looking at full-time dance training and college courses

• Studio owners and freelance dance professionals

• Anyone passionate about the future of ballet and dance in Ireland

• Full access to the 60-minute live performance showcase

• Entry to the industry Q&A panel discussion

• Access to the exhibitor hall to meet with major dance colleges and syllabus organizations

• A 3-hour CPD Certificate provided by the Irish National Youth Ballet for attending teachers

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Live Performance Showcase featuring INYB, Youth Ballet West, High Points Youth Ballet, and guest artists.

• 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Interval

• 1:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Industry Q&A Panel, Exhibitor Hall access, and Networking.