Belfast International Ballet Festival & High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive
Supported by Belfast City Council
The Belfast International Ballet Festival and High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive have become a highlight of the ballet calendar in Northern Ireland, bringing together young dancers, professional artists, teachers, and ballet enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England, Türkiye and beyond.
Since its launch in 2024, the Belfast International Ballet Festival has continued to grow each year, creating unique opportunities for artistic collaboration, professional training and performance while celebrating the vibrant ballet community within Northern Ireland and across the international dance world.
Organised by High Points Youth Ballet, the festival was established with a vision of providing world-class ballet opportunities locally while creating pathways for young dancers to train with internationally respected artists and perform alongside both emerging and established professionals.
The festival is preceded by the High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive, an exceptional training programme that offers dancers the opportunity to work with renowned international teachers, choreographers, and artists. Through intensive ballet training, repertoire, contemporary dance, coaching and performance preparation, participants gain valuable experience that supports their artistic and technical development. This year we are welcoming between teachers Sara Maria Barton, Ayfer Zeren, Leigh Alderson, Anna McCoy, Luc Burns and Adéla Lišková.
Together, the Summer Intensive and Festival create a unique platform where dancers can train, perform, learn, and be inspired while building connections within the wider international ballet community.
Festival Dates 2026
High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive
13 – 24 July 2026
Belfast International Ballet Festival
27 July – 1 August 2026
Tickets
Ticket information will be announced soon.
Ticket Link:
https://themaclive.com/your-visit/belfast-international-ballet-festival
Festival Performances 2026
This year's festival will culminate in three exciting performances at The MAC, Belfast, celebrating both emerging and professional artists while showcasing the achievements of dancers from across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.
Future of Ballet
31 July 2026 | 7:00pm
Tickets: https://themaclive.com/event/the-future-of-ballet
A celebration of emerging talent featuring High Points Youth Ballet dancers, Summer Intensive participants, guest youth ballet organisations and visiting artists.
The programme will include an adapted production of Act III from Paquita, alongside a varied selection of classical repertoire, contemporary works, solos, duets and ensemble performances developed throughout the season.
Guest performances from visiting youth ballet organisations and Scotland's S-MB Company will further highlight the festival's international reach and collaborative spirit.
Ballet Heritage
1 August 2026 | 2:00pm
Tickets: https://themaclive.com/event/ballet-heritage
Ballet Heritage celebrates the wider ballet community by bringing together adult ballet companies, guest artists, and younger performers in a unique and inspiring performance.
Featuring companies such as Second Chance Ballet and Alive Dance alongside guest performers, this event demonstrates that ballet can be enjoyed, celebrated and pursued at every stage of life.
Ballet Gala of Stars
1 August 2026 | 7:00pm
Tickets: https://themaclive.com/event/ballet-gala-of-stars
The festival concludes with a spectacular evening gala featuring internationally performing ballet artists alongside emerging young dancers.
This year's Gala will feature Northern Ireland-born professional dancers Leigh Alderson, Anna McCoy and Luc Burns, returning home to perform in Belfast and inspire the next generation of dance artists.
The Gala will also welcome youth ballet companies from across Ireland and Scotland, creating a unique opportunity for emerging dancers to share the stage with established professionals.
Adult Ballet Classes
Belfast International Ballet Festival 2026
As part of the Belfast International Ballet Festival, High Points Youth Ballet is delighted to offer two special Adult Ballet Classes led by internationally renowned ballet artists Ayfer Zeren and Sara Maria Barton.
These exclusive classes provide adult dancers with the opportunity to train alongside distinguished professionals during Festival Week. Whether you are currently dancing, returning to ballet after a break, or looking to experience high-quality classical ballet training in a welcoming environment, these classes are open to adults of all levels with previous ballet experience.
Class Dates
Monday 27 July
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Wednesday 29 July
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Faculty
Ayfer Zeren
Former Artistic Director of Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
Sara Maria Barton
Artistic Director of Scotland's S-MB Company
Booking
To reserve your place, please email belfastballetfestival@gmail.com.
Please include "Adult Ballet Class" and your full name in the subject line of your email.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Belfast International Ballet Festival and sharing an inspiring week celebrating artistry, international collaboration, and the joy of ballet.
Venue
High Points Youth Ballet Studios (HPYB) - 24 Alfred St. Belfast BT2 8EN
Price
£25 per class
Why the Festival Matters
The Belfast International Ballet Festival is more than a series of performances.
It provides young dancers with opportunities to train with internationally respected teachers, perform in professional theatre settings, collaborate with artists from different countries and gain experiences that help prepare them for vocational training and future careers in dance.
The festival also strengthens Northern Ireland's ballet community by creating opportunities for audiences, artists, schools, companies and supporters to come together and celebrate the art of ballet.
Registrations Still Open
Registrations for the High Points Youth Ballet Summer Intensive 2026 are still open.
We welcome dedicated dancers from Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond who are looking to further their training and be part of this exciting international experience.
For registration information and programme details, please contact us directly.
Click on button to register
Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram for the latest festival announcements, guest artist information, registration updates, behind-the-scenes content and ticket release dates.
Instagram:@belfastballetfestival
We look forward to welcoming dancers, audiences, supporters and ballet lovers from across Northern Ireland and beyond to Belfast International Ballet Festival 2026.