Support BalletLab and the development of its latest extraordinary work, Aviary

“BalletLab is a provocative outstanding company in the upper league of Australian contemporary dance”
The Australian Review

“Phillip Adams is one the few Melbourne artists whose work approaches the sublime in the most sophisticated sense of the term – his choreography often exceeds the boundaries of the rational mind to produce an experience beyond words, logic or interpretation.” 
John Bailey, Sunday Age

Strikingly contemporary in nature and physically idiosyncratic, BalletLab’s works contain a complexity that can be intense—providing a transforming, often provocative and polarising experience for the audience, the art form, and the performer.

Artistic Director Phillip Adams’ work defies neat and easy categorization because of his unique assembly of people and objects, across time and context to explore set narratives. The visual impact of the movement, conceptually based imagery and strong design play equal and important roles within his choreography.

Phillip’s meticulously conceived creations have ranged from exuberant, technically virtuosic dance for traditional theatres to sophisticated ‘boutique’ works that can be presented in unconventional settings or experienced as installations. Recent works explore the potential of collaboration in order to create resonant contemporary performance.





BalletLab brings significant artistic partners to each project in order to create original, distinctive works that are proudly made in Melbourne for a global market. Since its inception in 1999, BalletLab has toured nationally and internationally, performing in USA, China, Scotland, Denmark, Germany, England, Korea, Mongolia, Romania and Bulgaria at many festivals and venues.

BalletLab debuted with their sell-out Melbourne season of Amplification in 1999. Amplification went on to receive two Green Room Awards and an Australian Dance Award Nomination. Subsequent works are Upholster (2000), Ei Fallen (2001), The Self-Encasing Trilogy (2002-03), Nativity (2003), Incarnation (2004), Fiction (2004), Origami (2006), Brindabella (2007), Axeman Lullaby (2008) and Miracle (2009).

Brindabella was awarded a Green Room Award for Best Music in 2008. Axeman Lullaby was awarded two Green Room Awards for Best Choreography and Best Music, and received a Helpmann Award Nomination (Best Choreography) in 2009.

In September 2009, BalletLab undertook the first creative development stage of a new work, Aviary, in collaboration with The Australian Ballet. This work is due to premiere in 2011.