Meet Ayril: Community, Courage, and the Rhythm That Led Him to the Stage
Every so often, you encounter a performer whose story reminds you that there is no single route into the world of theatre. For Melbourne audiences, Ayril Borce is fast becoming a familiar name in musical theatre, not because his journey followed a conventional path, but because it was shaped by community, courage, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His story begins not in prestigious studios or elite conservatoires, but in street dance circles, family gatherings, and local spaces where music and movement were a shared language, a way to connect and express oneself. It is a journey that speaks to persistence, authenticity, and the courage to show up, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Ayril grew up in a Filipino household where music was never just background noise; it was a living, breathing part of daily life. Family gatherings, karaoke nights, and local celebrations provided the first stage for his creativity. There were no formal mentors guiding him toward a career in the arts—what he had instead was the collective joy of movement and the freedom to express himself through performance. These early experiences were formative, embedding in him a deep appreciation for the way music and dance could bring people together, build connection, and create moments of pure, unguarded joy.
He began dancing at the age of thirteen, which is considered late by traditional standards, yet he quickly discovered a natural rhythm and confidence that set him apart. Street and hip hop styles became his first serious focus, evolving from casual curiosity into disciplined practice. Competitions, workshops, and eventually teaching allowed him to explore both the technical and expressive sides of dance. For Ayril, performing was never just about technique; it was about being part of something larger than himself, a communal experience that combined precision with freedom, structure with spontaneity. Dance became the foundation on which his future in performance would be built, teaching him lessons in discipline, resilience, and the joy of shared artistic expression.
Despite his passion for performing, Ayril did not initially see a clear path into musical theatre. Growing up in an immigrant family where stability and formal qualifications were highly valued, he pursued studies in business, marketing, and event management. For years, he balanced lectures, assignments, and exams with dance classes, competitions, and creative projects. Performance remained at the edges of his life, alive but not yet central. That tension between responsibility and desire is something Ayril describes candidly. While he appreciated the opportunities his studies offered, he always sensed that they were not the end of the story.
The turning point came after he graduated, during the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, when conventional career paths felt narrow and unfulfilling. Confronted with the question of what he truly wanted, Ayril made a choice that required courage: he decided to dedicate himself fully to performing, to pursue the path that had always been calling to him. This leap was not without risk, but it was grounded in a self-awareness that sometimes the only way forward is to trust your instincts and take action, even in the face of fear.
Auditioning for NIDA at the age of twenty-five marked his first formal step into professional musical theatre. It was also his first experience creating a self-tape audition, a daunting process for any performer. There were no guarantees, yet he took the leap, and being accepted became a powerful affirmation of both his talent and his willingness to trust himself. At NIDA, Ayril encountered gaps in his training, particularly in singing. Instead of seeing these gaps as setbacks, he embraced them as opportunities for growth, learning to accept the discomfort of developing skills in public and understanding that growth is a lifelong process in the performing arts.
Now performing in Saturday Night Fever at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, Ayril reflects on why disco continues to resonate so powerfully with audiences. For him, the genre is about more than nostalgia or spectacle; it is about release, freedom, and connection. Disco invites people to move without judgment, to find joy in rhythm and in the shared energy of those around them. At its heart, the show tells a story about belonging, chosen family, and the desire to create a life that feels authentic—an emotional truth that mirrors Ayril’s own journey. He understands the power of theatre to create spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and feel part of something larger than themselves.
Ayril’s story is not just about personal achievement; it is about courage, connection, and generosity. It is a story that speaks to anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering if it is too late to pursue a dream, or if they are ready to take the next step. His answer is simple but profound: start, show up, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. His journey is a reminder that the performing arts are not reserved for those who follow a linear path from an early age. They are built by people who take risks, learn late, change direction, and persist regardless.
Through community, commitment, and the courage to embrace uncertainty, Ayril Borce has shown that there is no single blueprint for success in the arts. His path from family living rooms and street dance battles to Melbourne stages demonstrates that performance is as much about connection and authenticity as it is about skill. For anyone who dreams of standing in the spotlight, his journey offers a powerful lesson: trust in your rhythm, believe in your capacity to grow, and never underestimate the power of showing up.
