A curated classical ballet retreat for adult dancers
Three nights devoted to your dancing.
Wake to the hills, take class among the bamboo, share long meals with people who love ballet as much as you do, and end each day around the fire. You'll leave feeling stronger, lighter and inspired.
At the barre
Classical technique for adult dancers on a proper dance floor laid in the dome, plus a private 45-minute lesson for every guest.
At the table
Balanced, beautiful meals by chef Hunna, shared at one long table, with platters and protein balls between classes.
In the evening
Unhurried afternoons by the pool, then evenings wrapped in blankets around the fire pit under the stars.
Soma is a private retreat in the hills behind Byron Bay, with walls of glass, polished concrete, still water and wide decks looking out across the valley.
We dance in a clear geodesic dome set within a grove of bamboo, with a dance floor and barres laid out under the canopy. Between classes, there's a pool overlooking the paddocks, gardens to wander and a fire pit for the evenings.
★★★★★ Mimi C. · Guest, September 2026I had such an amazing time. The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the accommodation was wonderful, with stunning views and great facilities. The schedule was very well balanced, with the perfect mix of ballet classes and time to rest and relax.
The food was delicious, and the dinners were such a lovely opportunity to get to know everyone. Everything was incredibly well organised, right down to the smallest details. I really couldn’t have asked for more and would absolutely love to do it all again!
★★★★★ Lynda O. · Guest, September 2026There was no aspect of the Retreat that had not been given detailed consideration. The surroundings were peaceful and spectacularly beautiful, allowing our everyday worlds to slip from sight, giving us the rare luxury of completely disappearing into a ballet studio. Heaven!
The classes were, as always, brilliant. The crown jewel of the weekend were the private lessons. How you managed to squeeze thirteen 45-minute privates for everyone into an intense schedule was a logistical miracle. I felt so sure that you understood areas where I needed to pay particular attention.
★★★★★What a great weekend. Soma was a fantastic place to relax after class, and the dome was an amazing classroom. Fabulous teachers and great food made for an intense weekend of hard classes and relaxing in between. Thank you so much Fabio and Chelsea!
★★★★★Thanks Chelsea and Fabio for organising this incredible retreat. Every part of it was a delight: the people, the place, and the practice. Super grateful for all the work that went into putting it together.
★★★★★Superb ballet retreat organised by Chelsea and Fabio. The venue was stunning, the food delicious, and rest and activities well paced. People attended with great learnings and joyfulness. Strongly recommend.
★★★★★Sydneysiders may be spoiled for choice for adult ballet classes, but when it comes to ballet retreats, there are almost no options in Australia compared to Europe or America. Chelsea and Fabio have not only filled this gap in the market but also raised the barre high. They thoughtfully organised delicious, balanced meals (Ottolenghi would have loved chef Hunna’s food) and filled the program with classes but also enough down time. The dance space was a dome in a bamboo forest, and they carefully laid proper flooring for us to dance on. I learned so much as a dancer from both Fabio and Chelsea, and look forward to the next retreat!
★★★★★Critical attention was paid to each and every student, with helpful tips and corrections from caring, patient and inspirational teachers. One of the highlights was dining in the evenings with like-minded people and sharing our stories. We were a community immersed in a beautiful countryside away from daily routines and worry, forging new friendships and cementing old ones. What a gift! To dance is to be free.
★★★★★What a wonderful experience! I can’t emphasise enough what a truly special weekend we’ve just had. Chelsea and Fabio organised everything perfectly, from the accommodation to the food and the location where the ballet retreat took place. A resounding success!
★★★★★Thank you for such a memorable and special retreat. Everything was perfect! The company was wonderful, the food absolutely delicious, the accommodation oh wow, the ballet double oh wow! The yoga dome was breathtaking, and to be able to do class and learn from Chelsea and Fabio was so incredible. Loved it, still feeling the joy from the retreat!
A Genée International Ballet Competition Silver Medallist, Chelsea trained at Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching and the English National Ballet School on scholarship. She joined the Slovak National Ballet in 2010, rising to Soloist and working with Nacho Duato on Duende and creating the role of Lady Darkness in Natalia Horecná's Slovak Dances.
Now also a physiotherapist and an adjudicator for the NSW Cecchetti Ballet Medal Awards, she brings an injury-aware, body-literate eye to every class, helping dancers build strong technique safely and sustainably.
Trained at La Scala Ballet School and the Royal Ballet School, Fabio danced as a Soloist with the Joffrey Ballet, then spent six years with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Principal and Soloist roles including Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake and Serenade, followed by a season with West Australian Ballet.
Since moving to Sydney in 2019 he has taught at Sydney Dance Company and coached competition dancers. His classes focus on technical clarity and musicality, so every dancer performs with genuine artistry.
A king bed and private ensuite, all to yourself.
Two guests per room with a shared bathroom. Come with a friend or we'll pair you.
Our first retreat sold out. Past guests and those on our list will receive first access before bookings open to the public.
Please include your name, your preferred room, and who you'd like to share with if you're choosing a shared room.
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