DSC02767.jpg

You’re invited to join the….

IABF 2026 Corps de Ballet

Unite on stage & create magic together

At the International Adult Ballet Festival, our group pieces are designed to bring dancers together from around the world, celebrating community, artistry, and the joy of performing.

Whether you’re joining us for your very first time or returning for another year of unforgettable moments, this is your chance to learn beautiful choreography at home and bring it to life on stage with your fellow dancers.

🌟 How It Works: Learn at Home, Shine on Stage

You’ll receive both asynchronous and live rehearsal opportunities. In April, you’ll receive detailed step-by-step instruction videos for every part you are registered for. These videos break down the choreography clearly so you can learn at your own pace, in your own space.

To support you further, we offer 2–3 optional live Zoom rehearsals in April, May & June for each piece. These sessions give you the chance to:

  • Ask questions and get personalized help

  • Practice with your choreographer

  • Meet your cast-mates

  • Build confidence with the choreography

When we arrive at IABF, there will be dedicated rehearsal time to learn your stage formations, spacing, and transitions. This is when the magic of the group truly comes together!

Please arrive at the festival with your choreography memorized.

🎀 Costumes: Beautiful, Accessible, and Stress-Free

We aim to keep costume costs as low as possible while ensuring everyone looks stunning on stage.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Tutus:
    Re-usable tutus will be available for the pieces that require them. You may buy your tutu or borrow one from IABF. If you like the tutu and want to have one of your own, then you can buy with our group discount. Otherwise, borrow and save! The group tutu order will go in late February, and you can decide at that time whether you want to buy or borrow.

  • Accessories & headpieces:
    Provided by IABF so your look is cohesive and complete.

  • Leotards, tights, and shoes:
    These will be provided by you to ensure comfort, fit, and hygiene. If cost is prohibitive for any piece, simply reach out.

Our goal is for you to feel confident and ready to perform from head to toe.

📝 Registration & Choosing Your Pieces

Group pieces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

During registration, you’ll be able to:

  • Select which pieces you want to join in order of your preference

  • Indicate your costume color preferences

  • Note whether you prefer to dance in the front or not

Final casting will be announced by the end of December.

⏰ How Many Pieces Should You Join?

You can request to join all the pieces, but here’s how the scheduling works. Rehearsals during IABF are scheduled at the same time as the afternoon classes and breakout sessions. The more pieces you decide to join, the more time you’ll be in rehearsal and the less time you’ll have for classes.

  • Most dancers choose 1–2 group pieces. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy daily classes, plus 1–2 hours of rehearsal.

  • If you love rehearsing and want a fuller performance experience, you’re welcome to join as many pieces as we can fit you into!

The choice is completely yours. Follow what feels fun, fulfilling, and aligned with your festival experience.

💖 We Can't Wait to Dance With You

Being part of a group piece is more than learning steps—it’s about connection, community, and the shared joy of creating something beautiful together. Whether you’re stepping onstage for the first time or the hundredth, you belong here.

Welcome to the magic of IABF.
Let’s dance! ✨

Without further ado…. the 2026 pieces!

Garland Waltz

Graceful. Lyrical. Timeless.

Classical Ballet excerpt from from Sleeping Beauty choreographed by Jena Kocsis

Garland Waltz from Sleeping Beauty is one of the most beloved classical ensemble dances in the ballet repertoire. Filled with sweeping pathways, elegant port de bras, and the unmistakable charm of Tchaikovsky’s score, this choreography invites dancers into a world of grace and joyful musicality.

The movement is accessible, flowing, and beautifully structured, perfect for dancers who love the feeling of dancing together as a unified corps. With its gentle technical demands and enchanting patterns, Garland Waltz offers a rewarding opportunity to embody classical style while enjoying the magic of storytelling through dance.

  • Ladies’ costumes blend elegance, tradition, and practicality. You’ll provide the foundational pieces, and IABF will supply the specialty items that complete the look.

    You Provide:

    • Leotard + Skirt
      Choose a comfortable leotard and a coordinating skirt (color & brand guidelines will be shared with your piece’s choreography packet).

    • Pink or skin-tone tights with matching ballet flats or pointe shoes
      Please choose shoes that match your chosen tight color.

    Provided by IABF:

    • White Romantic Tutu
      You may borrow a tutu at no cost or choose to purchase one when the order is placed in late February.

    • Apron & Garlands
      A charming apron accessory and garlands will be provided and coordinated for your piece.

    The result is a clean, classic look that photographs beautifully and allows every dancer to shine.

  • Men’s roles feature a traditional silhouette inspired by classical repertory.

    You Provide:

    • Poet’s blouse
      Choose a comfortable shirt (color & brand guidelines will be shared with your piece’s choreography packet).

    • Black tights & Black ballet shoes

    Provided by IABF:

    • Cummerbund
      Structured, coordinated, and provided by IABF.

    This timeless combination creates a polished and cohesive stage presence for all male dancers.

  • We welcome dancers of varying experience levels and offer flexible role placement so everyone can participate confidently.

    Beginner – Flat Shoes (Men & Women)

    Ideal for dancers newer to ballet or those who prefer to perform comfortably in flat shoes. Steps are accessible, musical, and supportive, perfect for building confidence on stage.

    Advanced Beginner – Flat Shoes (Men & Women, Front Line)

    Reserved for dancers with more experience who feel comfortable leading the group from the front. These dancers help carry transitions, counts, and stage energy.

    Beginner Pointe (Women)

    For dancers beginning their pointe journey who are solid and safe on their boxes. The choreography is gentle, supportive, and designed to showcase elegance rather than technical difficulty.

  • We’ll host an extra rehearsal in mid-late February. Jena will test some movement ideas with the group to make sure the final choreography feels amazing for adult dancers of all levels.

    This will be optional but highly recommended, especially if learning choreography makes you anxious. These sessions let the choreographers see how you move and tailor the piece so it feels incredible for everyone.

Waltz of the Hours

Elegant. Fast. Exhilarating.

Classical Ballet excerpt from from Coppelia choreographed by Julie Leung

Waltz of the Hours is filled with musicality, speed, and classic Corps de Ballet precision. This choreography is fast-paced and technically demanding, offering a thrilling challenge for dancers who love to move quickly, stay sharp with musical timing, and dance with the ethereal lightness of a true Romantic waltz.

If you enjoy feeling lifted by the music and working with crisp transitions, this piece will stretch your technique in the most rewarding way.

  • Costumes – Ladies

    This piece features some of the most breathtaking costumes in the entire festival. The look is refined, classical, and designed to bring the swirling beauty of the Coppelia corps to life.

    Provided by IABF

    • Pancake Tutu + Bodice
      You may buy your tutu/bodice set or borrow one from IABF. You will be able to choose Yellow, Pink, Blue, Green, or Purple at registration.

    • Matching Floral & Tulle Headpiece
      A delicate, romantic headpiece that completes the look and adds elegance to the ensemble.

    These costumes create a gorgeous stage picture with classical lines.

    Provided by You

    • (Optional) Nude Leotard
      A nude leotard can provide coverage and confidence under a full classical tutu.

    • Pink or Skin-Tone Tights with Matching Ballet Flats or Pointe Shoes
      Please select shoes that match your chosen tight color.

  • Waltz of the Hours is geared toward dancers with a solid technical base.

    Intermediate – Flat Shoes (Women)

    Perfect for dancers who prefer to remain on flat but want to tackle quick waltz steps, directional changes, and musicality at tempo. Expect a lively challenge!

    Intermediate – Pointe (Women)

    For dancers confident in their pointework at an intermediate level. Choreography focuses on musical precision, and clean lines all within the fast flow of a classical waltz.

Queen of Hearts

Playful. Energetic. Dramatic.

Neoclassical Ballet excerpt from Alice in Wonderland choreographed by Kelsey Maloney-Steiner

Step into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland with this bold, theatrical piece featuring the commanding Queen of Hearts, the mischievous Jokers, and the beautifully unified Cards Corps de Ballet. This number blends character work with classical technique. It’s perfect for dancers who love storytelling just as much as clean lines and musicality.

Expect playful energy, dramatic accents, and a joyful chance to embody this imaginative world!

  • The aesthetic is sharp, striking, and unmistakably “Wonderland.” With bright whites, bold card motifs, and a touch of fantasy, this costume set creates a stunning visual effect onstage.

    Provided by You

    • White Leotard
      A clean, bright base layer that keeps the overall look crisp and cohesive.

    • Pink or Skin-Tone Tights with matching Ballet Flats or Pointe Shoes
      Choose shoes that match your tights for a seamless line.

    Provided by IABF

    • White Romantic Tutu
      Available to buy or borrow; this tutu forms the iconic structured silhouette of the Cards Corps.

    • Playing-Card Overlay Accessories
      A distinctive overlay that transforms your costume into a living playing card.

    • Coordinated Headpiece
      Designed to match the card theme and add character style to your role.

    These elements combine classical ballet costuming with fun, theatrical flair for your time in Wonderland.

  • The aesthetic is sharp, striking, and unmistakably “Wonderland.” With bright whites, bold card motifs, and a touch of fantasy, this costume set creates a stunning visual effect onstage.

    Provided by You

    • White Leotard
      A clean, bright base layer that keeps the overall look crisp and cohesive.

    • Pink or Skin-Tone Tights with matching Ballet Flats or Pointe Shoes
      Choose shoes that match your tights for a seamless line.

    Provided by IABF

    • White Pancake Tutu
      Available to buy or borrow; this tutu forms the iconic structured silhouette of the Cards Corps.

    • Playing-Card Overlay Accessories
      A distinctive overlay that transforms your costume into a living playing card.

    • Coordinated Headpiece
      Designed to match the card theme and add character style to your role.

    These elements combine classical ballet costuming with fun, theatrical flair for your time in Wonderland.

  • Men’s costumes channel the playful mischief of the Jokers while maintaining a clean classical foundation for the Pas de Deux.

    Provided by You

    • Black Tights & ballet flats

    • White Ballet Shirt

    Provided by IABF

    • Playing-Card Overlay Accessories
      A character-driven accessory that ties the men’s costumes seamlessly into the Cards Corps theme.

    The final look is bold, graphic, and instantly recognizable as Wonderland-inspired.

  • This piece welcomes a mix of character performance and technical strength, with roles tailored to a range of intermediate-level dancers.

    Intermediate Pointe Solo Role – Queen of Hearts

    A featured role requiring strong pointework, drama, musicality, and the willingness to command the stage. Perfect for dancers who love performing with bold character energy.

    Beginner Men – Jokers

    Light, quick footwork with playful character work. Ideal for dancers who enjoy acting through movement.

    Beginner Pointe – Women

    For dancers newer to pointe who want an accessible but expressive role within the Cards Corps.

    Intermediate – Flat Shoes (Men & Women)

    A great option for strong flat-shoe dancers who enjoy corps work, moving patterns, and storytelling.

Becoming

Expression. Freedom. Awakening.

Contemporary piece set to Interstellar Main Theme choreographed by Cindy Heen

“Becoming” is a deeply expressive work created for dancers across the world who gather for one extraordinary week to move, breathe, awaken, and discover together. Set to the Main Theme from Interstellar, the choreography is carried by the piano’s relentless pulsing as steady as a heartbeat, familiar as breath, and aching with emotions that transcend words.

Where language falls short, movement steps forward. The music holds a haunting blend of urgency and stillness. It reminds us that the clock never stops ticking, that time never freezes, and yet it fills us with the wonder of being fully alive in this moment.

Becoming is about meeting yourself, here and now. It is about shedding expectations, releasing inhibition, and letting your inner movement speak freely through dance. This piece invites you into a journey of presence, awakening, courage, and transformation.

  • A soft, flowing design supports the emotional and contemporary quality of the work.

    Provided by IABF

    • Blue Flowing Skirt
      A lightweight, ethereal skirt that enhances the sweeping, breath-driven movement.
      You may buy or borrow this skirt.

    Provided by You

    • Your Choice of Leotard or Crop Top
      Color and brand guidelines will be provided with your choreographer packet.

  • A sleek, minimalistic look that supports expressive movement and visual unity.

    Provided by You

    • Black Tights
      Choose a comfortable pair that matches your movement style.

    • Blue Ballet Shirt
      Color and brand guidelines will be shared to align the ensemble visually.

  • This piece includes two ways to participate, allowing dancers across multiple levels to join the experience.

    Intermediate – Small Group Ensemble (Men & Women)

    A more intimate group for dancers ready for detailed musical phrasing, expressive nuance, and ensemble sensitivity. This group will serve as the opening of the work.

    Advanced Beginner – Full Group Ensemble (Men & Women)

    A larger ensemble for dancers who feel comfortable with (or willing to learn) flowing contemporary movement and travelling patterns. Perfect for those wanting to experience the emotional depth of this piece.

Le Jazz Hot

Sharp. Sultry. Iconic.

Fosse Jazz excerpt from Victor/Victoria choreographed by Sean Kelly

Le Jazz Hot is a dynamic, Fosse-inspired piece that celebrates clean lines, rhythmic precision, attitude, and unmistakable jazz flair. Expect stylized movements, intentional isolations, low-level footwork, and a bold performance quality that makes Fosse choreography so captivating.

This piece is joyful, theatrical, and irresistibly fun. Perfect for dancers who love character and musicality mixed with grounded jazz technique.

  • The look for this piece is classic Fosse: minimalistic, bold, and unmistakably chic.

    Provided by You

    • All Black, Head to Toe
      This includes your:

      • Top (tank, leotard, fitted tee, or jazz top)

      • Black pants, leggings, shorts, or unitard

      • Black jazz shoes or black ballet shoes

    Keep everything fitted, clean, and movement-friendly so the crisp isolations and shapes of Fosse style shine through.

  • Advanced Beginner Jazz (Men & Women)

    This level is ideal for dancers who have some jazz or musical theatre experience (or are willing to practice and learn) and enjoy expressive, character-driven choreography

    You don’t need formal Fosse training; just a willingness to play, explore, and embrace the style.

  • We’ll host an extra rehearsal in mid-late February. Sean will test some movement ideas with the group to make sure the final choreography feels amazing for adult dancers of all levels.

    This will be optional but highly recommended, especially if learning choreography makes you anxious. These sessions let the choreographers see how you move and tailor the piece so it feels incredible for everyone.

Choosing Your Pieces

With so many inspiring works to choose from, selecting your pieces is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for IABF! Each choreography offers a unique experience—different styles, musicality, emotions, and rehearsal commitments.

As you decide, think about:

  • How much time you want to spend in rehearsals each day

  • Whether you prefer slower, expressive pieces or faster, technical pieces

  • Your desired level of challenge

  • Whether you want a large group experience, a small ensemble, or a featured role

Most dancers choose 1–2 pieces to balance rehearsal time with taking classes, but you are welcome to join more if you love being in rehearsal and on stage.

Below is a guide to help you pick the pieces that best match your level and goals.

Level Guide

Beginner – Flat Shoes

Suitable for dancers building confidence, strengthening technique, or preferring to perform without pointe shoes.

  • Garland Waltz (Men & Women)

  • Alice in Wonderland – Cards Corps (Men & Women)

  • Becoming (Men & Women)

  • Le Jazz Hot – Fosse Style (Men & Women)

Intermediate – Flat Shoes

For dancers with solid technique who enjoy more speed, musical nuance, or leadership roles.

  • Waltz of the Hours (Women Only)

  • Garland Waltz – Leader Roles (Men & Women)

  • Alice in Wonderland (Men & Women)

  • Becoming (Men & Women)

  • Le Jazz Hot – Fosse Style (Men & Women)

Beginner – Pointe Shoes

For dancers beginning their pointe journey, dancing safely on the box, and comfortable with gentle choreography.

  • Garland Waltz

  • Alice in Wonderland – Cards Corps

Intermediate – Pointe Shoes

For dancers confident with pointework, musicality, and expressive stage presence.

  • Waltz of the Hours

  • Alice in Wonderland – Queen of Hearts Solo

  • Alice in Wonderland – Corps de Ballet

Final Note

No matter which pieces you choose, we are so excited to dance with you, support you, and cheer you on. Each work is crafted with you in mind to celebrating artistry, community, and the pure joy of stepping onstage.

Let’s begin your journey toward an unforgettable week of movement, music, and becoming.

We can’t wait to see you shine.