International Adult Ballet Festival
IABF is an intensive, showcase & competition for passionate adult ballet dancers of all levels to call home!
Kids have YAGP. Adults have IABF
Ballet is a legitimate & prestigious passion for adults of all ages & skill levels to pursue with all their heart, regardless of aspirations of professional dance. IABF is an opportunity to experience the intensives, performing, and competition opportunities typically reserved for young dancers.
August 4 - 9, 2024 | Tampa, FL
Take the stage
For all the dancers who wonder "what's the point of dancing if all I can do is go to ballet class? It's not like adults can perform," and for the people who shyly admit their dream of "performing on stage in pointe shoes one day"
…. IABF is for you! That time is here!
You (yes, YOU) are invited to perform on stage.
Whether you’ve got your heart set on a solo, being in the corps de ballet, or putting together a group piece with your friends, all dancers are invited. You’re welcome to perform en pointe or not, in a fancy costume or something simple, something advanced or something beginner.
Or, if you’ve dreamt of the thrill of competition, choose to enter your piece into the competitive division to win prizes.
Festival Itinerary
Enjoy a well-rounded schedule of classes, activities, and special guests to support, challenge, and inspire dancers from all walks of life.
Dance All Day, Spend the evening with your Friends, and Finish with a Performance
Tentative 2024 Itinerary
Sunday, August 4, 2024
4pm Check In
6-9pm Welcome Party (included)
Monday - Tuesday, August 5 & 6, 2024
7:30-8:30am - Community breakfast (included)
9am-12pm - Ballet Classes & Breakout sessions
12-1pm - Community lunch (included)
1-2pm - Pointe & Breakout sessions
2-6pm - Classes & Rehearsals
6-7pm Community dinner (included)
7pm - Canoe, pool time, bonfire (weather permitting), and relax
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
7:30-8:30am - Community breakfast (included)
9am-12pm - Ballet Classes & Breakout sessions
12-1pm - Community lunch (included)
1-6pm - Dress Rehearsal & Photo Shoots
6-7pm Community dinner (included)
7-9pm Evening party TBA
Thursday, August 8, 2024 — Show day!
7:30-8:30am - Community breakfast (included)
9am-12pm - Ballet Classes & Breakout sessions
12-1pm - Community lunch (included)
1-3:30pm - Open Stage Time & Rehearsals
4 pm - Doors open
4:30-6:30 - Showtime!
7-9pm - Show Day After Party (Dinner + Drinks + Transportation included)
Friday, August 9, 2024 — Bask in the joy & fly out
7:30-8:30am - Community breakfast (included)
Pool, & free time with your new ballet friends until hotel checkout 11 am
Full detailed itinerary with breakout sessions & faculty to be announced
In the meantime, check out the 2022 & 2023 memories to see all the fun we’ve had in prior years
Levels - Beginner & Advanced Welcome!
Beginner: Recommended able to follow along with a basic ballet class.
Intermediate: Comfortable with ballet barre and center vocabulary with minimal explanation
Get in touch for more assistance!
You do not need to decide your level prior to the event. Dancers may choose their classes and itinerary during the event.
*Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions will be offered for specific topics such as pirouettes, pointework, port de bras & artistry, deep dive on technique, and more. After registration, you’ll receive a survey of preferences. Stay tuned for the breakout class schedule.
Note: the exact class schedule is subject to change depending on registrant numbers, levels, and interests, but the amount of class time will stay the same.
2024 Faculty TBA
Teachers, special guests & competition judges who love to work with adult dancers, take your journey seriously, and who support & inspire the adult ballet community.
We bring together a diverse team to offer ballet, cross-training, physical therapy, and more.
Check our our Past 2023 Faculty
Julie Gill
Ballet Technique & Artistry
Bianca Starr, MA & MSc.
Ballet Technique, Alignment
Sean Kelly
Ballet, Pas de Deux, Theater Jazz
Dr. Nina Geromel, PT
Conditioning, Self-Care, Pre-pointe
Allie Christensen
Dance Movement Specialist
Madame Olga
Special ballet Master Class
2023 Competition Judges (2024 Judges TBA)
Mikey Cusumano
Competition judge & Ballet Master Class Instructor
Ashley Bishop
Competition judge & Character Dance Master Class
Cindy Heen
Competition Judge & DanceBuddy Founder
Capture the Memories
For many dancers, this will be their first time performing! Whether it’s your 1st or 100th time performing, we’ll commemorate the occasion with professional photography & videographers!
Professional Photoshoot
Capture your love of ballet with a professional photoshoot.
Pricing
$85 - 2 professionally captured & edited photos
$200 - 5 professionally captured & edited photos
Live the ballet dancer lifestyle of your dreams
About The Venue
IABF 2024 will be held at the Christian Retreat Center in Bradenton, Florida near Tampa, FL.
This beautiful hotel boasts a beautiful riverside campground and stunning professional theater. Comfortable and spacious accommodations with friendly staff and an intimate size.
You do not need to be religious to attend. IABF welcomes all dancers. There is no affiliation between IABF and the Christian Retreat Center, and the IABF itinerary does not include prayers, church services or other religious activities.
2022 Memories Vlog
From our 2022 Photographer, Jana Carson from Ballerinas by Night
August 4 - 9, 2024, Tampa, FL
Register for the fun-filled event that will leave you inspired for another year of ballet.