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What is World Ballet Day?

  • Writer: Sophie Fletcher
    Sophie Fletcher
  • Nov 9
  • 4 min read
Marcelino Sambe in The Royal Ballet - World Ballet Day 2022 - Photographed by Andrej Uspenski
Marcelino Sambe in The Royal Ballet - World Ballet Day 2022 - Photographed by Andrej Uspenski

World Ballet Day began as a groundbreaking collaboration in 2014, when five premier companies coordinated to live stream a full day of ballet online for the first time ever, covering morning classes, rehearsals, and interviews. Ever since then, World Ballet Day has allowed fans and newcomers to experience the artistry, physicality, and diverse styles of ballet worldwide, often culminating in unique performances or creative collaborations.​

Each year, hundreds of thousands tune in for live coverage from all around the world or catch up with hour-by-hour archives on YouTube and other video platforms, making it the world's largest virtual ballet marathon. The aim is to break down barriers, inviting everyone with an internet connection to witness ballet from the studio to the stage.​


Participating companies in 2025

For World Ballet Day 2025, headlining companies include:


  • The Australian Ballet

  • Vienna State Ballet

  • American Ballet Theater

  • Birmingham Royal Ballet

  • Houston Ballet

  • The National Ballet of Canada

  • San Francisco Ballet

  • The Royal Ballet (UK)

  • Paris Opera Ballet

  • Bolshoi Ballet (Russia)

  • Norwegian National Ballet

  • Northern Ballet

  • More than thirty other regional companies worldwide.​


You can always find the full list, schedule, and streaming platforms at the official World Ballet Day website.


Where to stream live World Ballet Day

The theme for 2025 is "Access Becomes Art," emphasising collaboration, diversity, and new ways to experience ballet.


For Australia, The Australian Ballet runs an official live stream with ballet insights and backstage access at their Melbourne headquarters, typically from 10:30am to 1:30pm AEDT on YouTube and the company’s website.​


Globally, live streams are hosted on:



Most companies also release highlights and full event archives after the official World Ballet Day, so you can watch classes and rehearsals year-round.​


Highlights of World Ballet Day

Each ballet company has its own program that can combine live and prerecorded sessions. You can watch rehearsals but also learn about the backstage and other areas of ballet that are normally hidden general public. Some things you may come across are:


  • Morning classes led by top coaches and musicians

  • Behind-the-scenes access to rehearsals of iconic works like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle

  • Artistic Health sessions for dancer well-being

  • Interviews with dancers, artistic directors, and creative collaborators

  • Innovative collaborations, such as works involving wheelchair dancers, choreographic world premieres, and inclusivity projects.​​


Ballet-themed merchandise

Whether participating in person or virtually, fans can purchase ballet-themed merchandise such as dance mats, leotards, apparel, accessories, and limited-edition World Ballet Day collectibles:


Claudia Dean World (dancewear & accessories)

Merchandise is often available at company theatres, pop-up stores, and online during the even


Frequently asked questions

What happened to World Ballet Day?

World Ballet Day was officially paused in 2024 by its founding companies after ten years of global celebrations. Although some unofficial websites and social accounts listed conflicting dates and information for 2024, the true event did not take place as usual and was confirmed cancelled by the official organisers. Is back on for 2025 with some very interesting companies on the list.


Which platforms host virtual ballet marathons?

Primarily via YouTube, Facebook, and official ballet company sites. Event streaming is free and open to all.​


Where can I stream World Ballet Day in Australia?

Stream live with The Australian Ballet on their YouTube channel or website. Other participating companies offer simultaneous streams.​


Is World Ballet Day the same as International Dance Day?

No! These are two distinct days. International Dance Day takes place on 29 April and celebrates all dance styles. You can learn more about IDD in our blog article. World Ballet Day is dedicated to ballet only.


World Ballet Day: Video directory by years

I't's not always possible to find classes from all the years but the internet offers a rich archive if you'd like to go back through time. Use the links below to watch classes across the years.


How to participate

There are multiple ways you can join in!



World Ballet Day remains a unique opportunity, uniting dancers, fans and ballet enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of backstage that can feel so untouchable and mysterious.


If you're in Melbourne, come and join us for celebrations at SF Ballet's adult ballet class.



 
 
 

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