2026 Cecchetti Victoria Gala: Event Information

Combined Performances Information

Ballet Performance

A group ballet performance, choreographed by Peta Byrne, is open to students in Cecchetti Grade 4 ballet and above (for those currently in Grade 4 ballet, students must have done their Grade 3 exams and/or have at least 4 years of ballet experience).

Expectations of participants:

Attendance at all rehearsals is compulsory. Failure to attend may impact participation in the performance. In the event of illness or injury, the subcommittee ask participants to notify them as soon as possible.
Dancers need to cooperate and work kindly and respectfully with all involved.
Dancers must be willing and excited to participate.

Costs:

Total cost is $75.00 per registration for the combined ballet routine. This covers choreographers, rehearsal venues and the students’ own event T-shirt.

Costuming

Costumes will either be the Cecchetti uniform or costumes will be organised and provided to the dancers by the Gala committee at no further cost to the student. All arrangements will be confirmed closer to the event.

Rehearsals

9 hours total: 3 x 3 hour rehearsals.

Dates:
1. 1. 1. Sunday 14th June
    2. Sunday 6th Sep (NEW)
    3. Sunday 4th Oct (NEW)
Time: 10am to 1pm (Arrive 9:30am)
Venue: Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance (1/64 Sutton St, North Melbourne VIC 3051)

Ballet rehearsal venue

Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance, 1/64 Sutton St, North Melbourne VIC 3051

Street parking, allow time for parking

Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance is easily accessible via public transport.

Upfield Line via train

Routes 57 and 59 via tram

Routes 241, 402, and 959 via bus

Commercial Performance

A commercial dance group number is open to all students aged 9 or older. This high energy, entertaining group number will be choreographed by Nadia Tornese and Hara Papoulias.

Expectations of participants:

Attendance at all rehearsals is compulsory. Failure to attend may impact participation in the performance. In the event of illness or injury, the subcommittee ask participants to notify them as soon as possible.
Dancers need to cooperate and work kindly and respectfully with all involved.
Dancers must be willing and excited to participate.

Costs:

Total cost is $75.00 per registration for the commercial performance. This covers choreographers, rehearsal & theatre venues and the students’ own event T-shirt.

(NEW) Costuming

Dancers will wear the Gala T-shirt (included in the cost for the performance), their own denim bottoms, plain white shoes and plain white socks. Hair and make-up details to be finalised at the third rehearsal.

Rehearsals

Dates:
- 1. 1. Wednesday 1st July
    2. Thursday 2nd July.
    3. Friday 2nd Oct (NEW)
Venue: Crazy Feet Dance Studio 14-18 Banksia St Burwood 3125 (We are grateful to Crazy Feet Dance Studio for generously providing their facilities for free for these rehearsals!)
Time: 10am-3pm (Arrive 9:30am)
Students are asked to bring lunch (not nuts!). A coffee shop is located next door.

Commercial rehearsal venue

Crazy Feet Dance Studio, 14-18 Banksia St Burwood 3125

Please note:

Street parking, allow time for parking
Please be respectful of the neighbours, particularly as it is a residential area
Cafe located next to Banksia-Waratah Reserve

Crazy Feet Dance Studio is accessible via public transport.

Routes 70 and 75 via tram with a 15 min walk downhill.
Route 766 via bus with a 4 min walk

FAQs

Why are registration fees required?

The additional combined group performances involve costs beyond the standard Gala event, including:

Choreography and rehearsal staffing
Administration and event coordination
All students participating in the combined performances will receive a t-shirt, with the cost of the t-shirt included in the combined performance fee
Rehearsal venues
- While Crazy Feet Dance Studio has generously donated their studio and facilities, additional venues are required to accommodate the size and scale of the combined performances to ensure effective and safe rehearsals for all.

The participation fee ensures these items are fully self-funding and do not reduce the overall financial sustainability of the Gala as a fundraising event. This fee applies per registration for either the ballet or commercial performance.

Why should I sign up to be part of the combined performances?

To be part of a special Gala-only performance with dancers from multiple studios.
Work with professional choreographers and learn new styles and technique.
Build confidence and stage experience in a large-scale performance setting
Make new friends and connect with dancers from across Victoria outside of exam or competition spaces.
Be part of a team environment that encourages kindness, respect, and collaboration
Enjoy a fun, high-energy rehearsal experience with like-minded dancers
Receive an event t-shirt and be part of something memorable and unique
Perform in a professionally organised showcase celebrating dance and creativity
Develop discipline and commitment through structured rehearsals

Who are these guest choreographers?

See their bios below!

Peta Byrne

Peta is a beloved member of the Cecchetti dance community and a former professional ballet dancer with an international career. She holds a Diploma of Dance from the Victorian College of the Arts and an Advanced Diploma in Teaching from The Australian Ballet School. Additionally, Peta is a Licentiate with Cecchetti Ballet Australia.

With over 30 years spent dedicated to teaching, inspiring and mentoring the future generations of ballet dancers, Peta has made a lasting contribution to the Cecchetti community. Her experience and knowledge of the Cecchetti ballet method and her passion for classical ballet are beautifully reflected in her Gala piece.

Nadia Tornese

Nadia Tornese is a highly regarded choreographer, instructor, and creative whose choreography spans television, stage, music videos, and large-scale live events. Her screen credits include appearances on The Wrong Girl and Neighbours, and she has collaborated with leading artists Meaghan Trainor, Jessica Mauboy, and Justice Crew. Nadia’s commercial portfolio features brands such as Honda, NOVA FM, Smooth FM, Mercedes-Benz, and Mazda.

Nadia has also contributed to high-profile events including Melbourne Fashion Week, Australian Fashion Week, and AFL pre-game entertainment productions featuring Robbie Williams and KISS. With such a versatile and dynamic background, Nadia brings a wealth of experience and creativity to excite and inspire students.

Learn more here: https://www.nadiatornese.com/about

Hara Papoulias

Hara is a fantastic Victorian-based dance artist and choreographer who has mentored the future generations of dancers for over a decade. Most notably, Hara is the Associate Dance Director and Mass Dance Coordinator for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Hara is also a close colleague of Yvette Lee and has been a creative team member for high-profile events, including the 2022-2024 AFL Grand Final pre-show entertainment, and has worked with artists such as Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem and Kiss.

Hara’s portfolio further includes brand projects with Samsonite, Chemist Warehouse, KMART, 2XU, AAMI and Diesel. With such high energy and enthusiasm, Hara brings great teaching and experience of the dynamic entertainment industry.

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