Meet Ayril: Community, Courage, and the Rhythm That Led Him to the Stage
Every so often, you meet an artist whose story reminds you that there is no single right way into theatre. In this episode, we sit down with Ayril Borce, a rising performer in Melbourne’s musical theatre scene, whose path began not in traditional studios or conservatoires, but in street dance circles, family gatherings, and community spaces where music was a shared language. His journey is grounded in connection, persistence, and a deep belief in showing up even when the way forward feels uncertain.
Where It All Began: Dance, Culture, and Community
Ayril’s story starts with movement. Growing up in a Filipino household, music and performance weren’t formal pursuits, they were part of everyday life. Karaoke nights, family parties, and community celebrations became his first stage. There was no singular mentor pointing him toward a career in the arts. Instead, there was a collective joy in letting go, dancing freely, and being together.
He began dancing at 13, later than many performers, and found his footing in street and hip hop styles. What started as curiosity quickly became a foundation. Through competitions, training, and eventually teaching, dance became the place where Ayril felt most himself. It was where discipline met freedom, and where he learned that performance could be both expressive and communal.
Finding His Path Without a Map
Despite knowing he loved performing, Ayril didn’t immediately see a clear path into musical theatre. Coming from an immigrant family where stability and university degrees were highly valued, he chose a practical route, studying business, marketing, and event management. For years, he balanced lectures with dance classes, competitions, and creative outlets, keeping performance alive on the edges of his life.
That tension, between responsibility and desire, is something he speaks about with honesty. He enjoyed his studies, but deep down knew they weren’t the end of the story. The turning point came after graduating during COVID, when job prospects felt narrow and unfulfilling. Faced with the question of what he really wanted, Ayril made a decision that scared him: to finally give performing his full attention.
The Leap: Training, Risk, and Self-Belief
Auditioning for NIDA at 25 was Ayril’s first real step into formal musical theatre training. It was also his first self-tape. With no guarantees and nothing to lose, he took the leap anyway. Getting in became a powerful affirmation, not just of his talent, but of his willingness to trust himself.
At NIDA, he was confronted with gaps in his training, particularly in singing. Rather than seeing this as a setback, he approached it as an ongoing practice. Ayril speaks openly about the discomfort of learning in public, of constantly refining his craft, and of accepting that growth never really stops.
Saturday Night Fever and the Power of Belonging
Now appearing in Saturday Night Fever at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, Ayril reflects on why disco, and this story in particular, still resonates. For him, disco isn’t just about nostalgia or spectacle. It’s about release. It’s about moving without judgment and finding connection through shared rhythm.
He sees the emotional core of the show as one of belonging. Beneath the dancing and music is a story about community, chosen family, and the desire to carve out a life that feels true. It mirrors much of his own journey: navigating expectations, finding your people, and allowing yourself to want more.
Why His Story Matters
At its heart, this episode is about courage, connection, and the generosity of giving yourself fully to the work and to the people around you. It’s a conversation that speaks directly to anyone standing at the edge of a decision, wondering if it’s too late, or if they’re ready. Ayril’s story gently answers both questions with the same response: just start, and don’t do it alone
Ayril’s journey is a reminder that the performing arts aren’t reserved for those who start early or follow a straight line. They’re built by people who take risks, who learn late, who change direction, and who keep going anyway.
