Overview
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).
Who it's for
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
What's included
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
Schedule
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.
Important
For the most up-to-date timings, please confirm via the official organiser website.
Workshop essentials
Bloch Zenith Stretch Canvas Ballet Shoes (Ladies, Pink)
The full-sole canvas slipper most adult beginners in Irish studios start in. Soft, forgiving, breathes well in a warm studio.
€26
Bloch Prolite 2 Split-Sole Canvas (Girls, Pink)
The split-sole canvas shoe kids graduate to once a teacher says their feet are ready - more articulation than full-sole, lighter for pointing.
€18
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