Plan your dream ballet vacation
Pack your bags (and your tutu!)
Eat, sleep and dance with your new ballet friends, guest teachers and judges for an immersive experience to make lifelong friends.
IABF 2026 Packages
Staying offsite?
Book any accommodations you like. Booking is not through IABF.
Recommendations:
1) SpringHill Suites New Smyrna Beach
2) Salty Mermaid Oceanfront Hotel
3) Seahorse Inn
Offsite ticket includes twice daily 15-20 minute shuttle ride from the beach to the retreat center. Morning Pickup 7:30am, Evening Dropoff after evening activities conclude. Meeting Point: Salty Mermaid Hotel 301 Buenos Aires St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
IABF Policies
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we do our best to offer flexibility while also planning a world-class event for all our dancers. Please review the following policy carefully before registering.
Cancelation Terms
The initial $450 deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
If you wish to cancel your registration, you must submit a written request by May 6, 2026. The $450 deposit may be applied toward IABF 2027, but cannot be applied to any future events beyond 2027.
Cancelations before April 1, 2026 are eligible for a 50% refund of all payments made beyond the $450 deposit.
No refunds, partial or full, will be issued for any reason including illness, injury, or change of plans after May 6, 2026.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of illness, injury, or any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent your attendance.
Why This Policy Exists? By May, we’ve already reserved housing, food, performance space, and support staff for you. Your spot is one of a limited number, and last-minute cancellations leave us unable to offer it to another dancer. Thank you for understanding and helping make the festival possible for everyone.
Payment Plan Terms
Dancers selecting a payment plan will be automatically charged on the following dates: January 5, February 5, March 5, April 5, May 5, and June 5. Failure to complete a scheduled payment will result in a $15 convenience fee for each declined charge. Full payment, including any fees, must be made within 7 days of the declined charge.
Failure to remit payment within 7 days may result in cancellation of your registration, forfeiture of the $450 deposit, and disqualification from attending the event.
Age
Dancers must be age 18+ at the time of the event. This event is for adult ballet dancers and participants must be age 18 by the time of the event. If you are under 21, you are not permited to consume alcohol at the happy hours.
Waivers
All dancers must sign an injury and liability waiver indemnifying Broche Ballet from injury liability and damage to the hotel prior to the start date of the event on behalf of themselves and any guests you bring.
Scholarships
Scholarships may become available for the 2026 festival. If funding is a concern, reach out and note your interest in financial assistance. Should any scholarships open up, we will contact interested dancers directly.
FAQ - The Venue
Q: What is the address?
A: 1414 Art Center Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A: Orlando (MCO) or Daytona Beach Airport (DAB)
IABF will arrange shared carpools to simplify your airport travel. You may purchase a spot in one of our shared cars to make the ride to IABF simple, easy and fun!
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Unfortunately, no :(
Q: Can I smoke onsite?
A: No smoking or e-cigarettes are allowed onsite. Any infractions may incur damages of $500.
Q: I’m driving or renting a car, can I park my car?
A: There is limited parking available. Please enquire if you plan to park a car onsite.
Q: I’m arriving early or flying late, can I stay an extra night?
A: Yes, we have room rates for 2 nights before and 2 nights after. Carpools before and after the festival will be available only upon interest.
Q: Can I have a kitchen or a larger room?
A: There are ADA rooms onsite and limited cottages with 2 beds, a kitchen, and a bathtub. Enquire ASAP with your interest.
FAQ - Meals
Q: Which meals are included?
A: Meal plans include:
Monday: Dinner
Tuesday - Friday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Saturday: Breakfast
Q: Can my special dietary needs be accommodated?
A: The chef specializes in farm-to-table and can prepare vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. If you have a severe allergy, please get in touch.
FAQ - Friends & Guests
Q: Can my guests eat with us?
A: Absolutely. We'd love to have them! Guest meal plans for the full week (or just a ticket to the awards dinner party) will be available for purchase.
Q: Guests coming to the show
A: There is no cost for your guests to watch the show. Your guests are welcome to book into the hotel with us. Final awards dinner banquet + cocktail party tickets will be available for purchase.
Q: I want to share a room with my dance friends. How do we register?
A: The first dancer will register all-inclusive, and the others will register for the intensive-only package. Note that standard Artists’ Dorms have one double bed.
FAQ - The Showcase
Q: Will the show be streamed/recorded?
A: The showcase will not be streamed live. However, the showcase will be recorded and published on our website. Dancers may request NOT to have their video included in the published showcase.
Q: How do the group pieces work?
A: Dancers learn the choreography over Zoom and recorded videos. Each dancer receives instruction & follow-along practice videos for their part. Then we practice on stage during the festival to learn the spacing for the show. Your registration includes Zoom rehearsal time, but dancers are responsible for their own costumes. You do not need to attend rehearsals live. All rehearsals are available recorded.
Q: What level do I need to be for the group pieces?
A: All dancers are welcome. We offer group pieces for beginner & advanced levels, both in soft shoes & pointe shoes.
Q: For my solo(s), am I welcome to select my music, costume and choreography?
A: Yes. This is one of the key reasons IABF exists - to give you space to share your art with the world. Kids have YAGP, Adults have IABF.
Each dancer has 5 1/2 minutes on stage.
You don't need to use all of it, but you may divide this time into 1 or 2 pieces. Each single piece must be less than 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Most dancers perform one piece, but some choose to do additional pieces.
Costume and choreography are created by YOU!
We accept one of each classical variation on a first-come-first-serve basis. Register early to be sure to get the variation of your choice!
Pop or other music is subject to licensing availability. After registering, we'll show you how to search our database of music rights for your selection.
Q: How does the competition work?
A: You may choose to enter one of your pieces into the competition. The competition is woven quietly and seamlessly through the show.
Our panel of judges will score your piece and write feedback as you dance. You will be placed into a division for your level and your piece type. At the end of the show, we tally up all the scores and award prizes!
We select different prizes each year:
Some past year prize highlights include:
Broche Magazine Cover Model
Signed books & ballet shoes
Private lessons
Gift cards
Entering the competition is completely optional. But, it's a great way to get feedback from the judges and have the chance to win amazing prizes!
FAQ - The Itinerary
Q: Will there be a virtual option?
A: No. This event will be on-location only. The classes are designed for collaboration, corrections, and in order to keep the on-location intimate feel, the classes will not be available virtually.
Q: Will we be dancing on proper dance flooring?
A: The classes will take place within the retreat center. We bring our Harlequin Marley covering to install in the venue for studio spaces & showcase to transform the spaces into a unique and intimate ballet venue.
Q: What is the itinerary?
A: Click here to view the schedule. It's jam-packed!
Q: Are beginners welcome?
A: Yes. Having said that, I don’t recommend you take your very first ballet class at IABF. But if you can enjoy a basic beginner ballet class, you'll love IABF.
You're even welcome to perform a solo or join our group pieces!
Q: What should I wear for the photoshoot?
A: Most dancers wear one of the costumes, whether their solo costume or one of the group piece costumes. You’re also welcome to wear ballet class attire or any other outfit that makes you feel beautiful!
Any more questions?
Julie at our host company Broche Ballet will get back to you within 2-3 business days. We reply to every message we receive, so if you do not receive a reply, please check your spam.
What is it like at IABF?
Worried you won’t fit in, you’re too old, whether you’ll have fun, or if IABF is an intimidating environment? Hear from past participants!
Start Dreaming!
See you in 2026!

