Artistic Director Li Cunxin

Transcription

1 Artistic Director Li Cunxin MEDIA KIT Principal partner

2 01 MEDIA KIT BEAUTIFUL BREATHTAKING COPPÉLIA with The Camarata of St John s conducted by Andrew Mogrelia Choreographed by Greg Horsman 24 April 10 May, QPAC Playhouse (13 performances) Sir Kenneth MacMillan s ROMEO & JULIET with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Mogrelia Choreographed by Sir Kenneth Macmillan 27 June 5 July, QPAC Lyric Theatre (8 performances) THE NUTCRACKER with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Mogrelia December, QPAC Playhouse (9 performances) DANCE DIALOGUES Summer 20 February 8 March Spring 30 October 13 November Thomas Dixon Centre, West End (14 performances per season) FLOURISH George Balanchine s Serenade Nicolo Fonte s Bolero Nils Christe s Short Dialogues Ben Stevenson s La Esmeralda grand pas de deux CINDERELLA Queensland Regional Tour 13 September 15 October (eight regional venues) 1 9 August, QPAC Playhouse (10 performances)

3 02 MEDIA KIT MEDIA RELEASE Strictly embargoed to 2pm Monday 30 September, 2013 Queensland Ballet presents beautiful, breathtaking ballet in 2014 Artistic Director Li Cunxin has assembled a collection of world-class choreographers, artists and designers from around the globe for Queensland Ballet s Season The Company s mainstage season includes three beautiful, breathtaking ballets: the world première of Greg Horsman s brand new Coppélia in April; the Australian première of Sir Kenneth MacMillan s iconic Romeo & Juliet in June; and the return of Ben Stevenson s magical The Nutcracker in December. Li Cunxin is very excited about his second season for Queensland Ballet: Season 2014 will showcase our Company and this beautiful art form at its very best. The centrepiece of Season 2014 will be Sir Kenneth MacMillan s acclaimed ballet, Romeo & Juliet. With international ballet stars Tamara Rojo, Carlos Acosta and Steven McRae performing alongside the Company s talented ensemble of dancers, this magnificent production will honour MacMillan s creative genius. Li is thrilled that Queensland Ballet will be the first Australian company to present MacMillan s celebrated work, widely considered the best Romeo & Juliet in the world. It is an incredible coup for Queensland to secure this exclusive production of Sir Kenneth MacMillan s Romeo & Juliet. This super-star production will attract world-wide attention, placing Queensland Ballet on the global stage. In August, the Company will present a mixed program, Flourish. Li has selected ballets that show how masterful choreographers can communicate an idea as easily as a story: George Balanchine s Serenade; Nicolo Fonte s Bolero; Nils Christe s Short Dialogues; and Ben Stevenson s La Esmeralda grand pas de deux. Audiences will also have the opportunity to enjoy new dance works from exciting young choreographers and experience the process of rehearsal in Dance Dialogues. The two seasons will be held in an intimate studio theatre at the Company s home, the Thomas Dixon Centre. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will play Prokofiev s Romeo & Juliet and Tchaikovsky s The Nutcracker, and The Camerata of St John s will perform Delibes s Coppélia, conducted by Music Director and Principal Conductor Andrew Mogrelia. Arts Minister Ian Walker says: The State Government is a proud and long-term supporter of Queensland Ballet, and we are delighted to enable the Brisbane exclusive season of Romeo & Juliet as a highlight of its 2014 season. Romeo & Juliet is the first project to be funded through the Super Star Fund, which will provide $3 million over four years to support local performing arts companies to feature internationally renowned artists in productions exclusive to Queensland. We promised to bring international stars to Queensland, and we are delivering on that promise. After a sell-out season in 2013, Li is confident next year s season will be just as popular. Season 2014 s stellar program is likely to sell out, so the best way to guarantee your seats is to become a season ticket holder. Queensland Ballet s season ticket packages are now on sale and are the best way to see ballet in Season ticket holders can choose just two or up to six productions; can save over 25% off regular ticket prices; access priority booking; and behind-the-scenes news and events. Regional Queensland is also in for a treat in The Company is taking Ben Stevenson s sell-out Cinderella to eight regional venues in September and October: Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Maryborough, Rockhampton and Gladstone. MEDIA ENQUIRIES Publicist & Digital Content Producer Natasha Spong P M E nspong@queenslandballet.com.au

4 03 MEDIA KIT Coppélia 24 April 10 May A beautiful, life-like doll and two bickering young lovers create comic chaos in this captivating ballet. Jealous of her sweetheart Franz s interest in Doctor Coppélius s mysterious daughter, Swanilda sneaks into his house to confront her rival. But all is not as it seems and when the doctor discovers Franz is another intruder, delightful mayhem follows. Setting the much-loved story in the small South Australian town of Hahndorf in the late 19th century, choreographer Greg Horsman has created a touching and witty ballet, with endearing characters inspired by our own history. With its joyful dance and the charming music of Léo Delibes, Coppélia will enchant people of all ages. Choreographer Greg Horsman, after Arthur Saint-Léon and Marius Petipa Composer Léo Delibes With the Camerata of St. John s Conductor Andrew Mogrelia World première Venue Playhouse, QPAC Dates & TimeS Thursday 24 April Saturday 26 April 1.30pm Class Tuesday 29 April 6.30pm Q&A Wednesday 30 April Friday 2 May Saturday 3 May Tuesday 6 May 6.30pm Q&A Wednesday 7 May 12.30pm Q&A Thursday 8 May Friday 9 May Saturday 10 May 1.30pm Class, Audio-described Single ticket prices Adult $90 Concession $80 30 yrs & under $60 Child $50 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $240 An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies. A co-production of Queensland Ballet and West Australian Ballet.

5 04 MEDIA KIT laughter & delightful mayhem FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN I first performed the role of Franz in Ronald Hynd s Coppélia. It s a traditional classical ballet, and while the work has an incredible sense of humour, it also has drama and emotion which people can relate to. The dancing is beautiful and elegant, and Delibes s score is stunning. It was a pleasure to commission Greg Horsman, our Ballet Master, to create a new Coppélia for us. We are very lucky to have such a talented choreographer in our midst. Greg will bring his flair for choreographing classical-style ballet to this traditional work, and his distinctly Australian scenario is perfectly suited to the delightful story. What really appeals to me about Coppélia is that it s a ballet the whole family can enjoy. Audiences will leave the theatre feeling uplifted and entertained by beautiful dancing and music. THE HISTORY Coppélia is a comic ballet originally choreographed by Arthur Sain-Léon to the music of Leo Delibes. The libretto by Charles Nuitter was based upon two stories by ETA Hoffmann: Der Sandmann (The Sandman) and Die Puppe (The Doll). Premièring on 25 May 1870 at the Théâtre Impérial l Opéra, its initial success was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War and the siege of Paris. It eventually became the most-performed ballet at the Opéra. THE CHOREOGRAPHER GREG HORSMAN Greg Horsman joined The Australian Ballet in 1982, rising to Principal Artist in During his 12 years with the company, Greg danced the entire classical repertoire. He has been a guest Principal Artist with the Kirov Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet, among others. In 1994, Greg joined English National Ballet (ENB), creating principal roles and starring in productions at Royal Albert Hall. In 1998 Greg was appointed Artistic Director of Ballet Central at London s Central School of Ballet. In 2001 he joined Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds as Ballet Master, and in 2003 returned to ENB as Ballet Master and Répétiteur. In 2006 Greg became Ballet Master at Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB). He has been a guest teacher at many international companies. Greg has choreographed ballets for Ballet Central, ENB and RNZB, where The Sleeping Beauty in 2011 won wide acclaim. Greg joined Queensland Ballet as Ballet Master in Queensland Ballet audiences first glimpsed Greg s talents in Verdi Variations in Elegance, the Company s 2013 mixed program. He also created a new work, One More Breath, for the Dance Dialogues Spring season.

6 05 MEDIA KIT Sir Kenneth MacMillan s romeo& juliet 27 June 5 July Shakespeare s tragic tale of star-cross d lovers is told through breathtaking, glorious dance in Sir Kenneth MacMillan s iconic production of Romeo & Juliet. Queensland Ballet is honoured to be the first company in Australia to present this celebrated work of 20th century dance. With dazzling guest stars Tamara Rojo, Carlos Acosta and Steven McRae, also in the cast for selected performances are acclaimed Australian Ballet Principal Artist, Daniel Gaudiello, as Mercutio and former Principal, Steven Heathcote, as Lord Capulet. MacMillan s Romeo & Juliet is a magnificent and grand production, but the very human story at its heart is told with extraordinary intimacy. Whether in a lethal marketplace brawl or the blissful balcony pas de deux, the realistic and daring choreography resounds with raw emotional truth. Celebrating the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare s play and the 50th anniversary of the creation of this ballet, Romeo & Juliet will be a superlative, not-to-be missed, event. Choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan Composer Sergei Prokofiev With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Conductor Andrew Mogrelia Designer Paul Andrews Lighting Designer John B Read Birmingham Royal Ballet Head of Scenic Presentation Doug Nicholson Costume Supervisor Michael Brown Australian première Venue Lyric Theatre, QPAC Dates & TimeS Friday 27 June opening Gala Tamara Rojo Saturday 28 June Tuesday 1 July Wednesday 2 July Thursday 3 July Friday 4 July 6.30pm Tamara Rojo 6.30pm Steven McRae Carlos Acosta Steven McRae Saturday 5 July 1.30pm Class, Carlos Acosta Audio-Described, Q&A single ticket prices Casting correct at time of printing. Queensland Ballet reserves the right to change the cast without prior notice if necessary. This production is produced in association with Birmingham Royal Ballet. This initiative is supported by Arts Queensland through the Super Star Fund, a Queensland Government program that delivers super star performances exclusive to the state. Adult $80 $130 Concession $70 $ yrs & under $55 $85 Child $45 $75 An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.

7 06 MEDIA KIT A pair of star-cross d lovers FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN When I watched a live broadcast of American Ballet Theatre s production of MacMillan s Romeo & Juliet on TV, I remember thinking that if I could dance this ballet, it would be a dream come true. Unfortunately I never did have that opportunity, but I am so happy to make our Queensland Ballet dancers dreams come true instead. It s a story that makes us reflect, and will touch everyone who sees it. With so many conflicts in today s world, it gives us a valuable lesson. People who see this ballet will never forget it. Presenting a work of this scale, with acclaimed international guest stars, has been made possibly only through the support of the Queensland Government s Super Star Fund, a collaboration with Birmingham Royal Ballet and the generosity of Lady Deborah MacMillan. Her believe in our Company s ability to do justice to her late husband s masterpiece is both humbling and uplifting. THE CHOREOGRAPHER SIR KENNETH MACMILLAN Sir Kenneth MacMillan created more than 60 ballets, including five full-length works, during a career of remarkable creativity. As well as his long association with The Royal Ballet as Director and Principal Choreographer, he also created ballets in Stuttgart, served as Director of Ballet at the Deutsche Oper Ballet in Berlin and was Artistic Associate of American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet. Creating Romeo & Juliet in less than five months, MacMillan s approach to choreography and characterisation was a revolutionary update to the genre of narrative ballet. He worked in close collaboration with Principals Lynn Seymour and Christopher Gable, on whom the ballet was made, however Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn danced in the première performance on 9 February When the curtain came down, the enraptured audience demanded a legendary 43 curtain calls. ROMEO & JULIET GUEST STARS TAMARA ROJO Tamara Rojo is Artistic Director of the English National Ballet, and until recently, was a Principal with The Royal Ballet, during which time she frequently performed as Guest Principal with all major ballet companies throughout the world. Tamara s reputation as an exceptional artist and exponent of the classical repertoire has been forged during countless performances of great beauty. She is acclaimed for her remarkable technique and intense emotional connection with her roles. CARLOS ACOSTA A Cuban-born dancer of Spanish and African heritage, Carlos Acosta has danced with many esteemed dance companies, including English National Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, Houston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Joining The Royal Ballet in 1998, he was appointed Principal Guest Artist in 2003, allowing him to accommodate a growing schedule of international guest appearances. With his celebrated grace, power and athleticism, Carlos is one of the most influential and admired dancers of our time. STEVEN MCRAE Australian-born, Steven McRae was appointed a Principal at The Royal Ballet in 2009 and has worked with many choreographers, including Christopher Bruce, Wayne McGregor, Alexei Ratmansky and Christopher Wheeldon. Renowned for his dazzling technique, Steven has been a guest artist at American Ballet Theatre, The Bolshoi Ballet and The Australian Ballet, and performed around the world in many international galas.

8 07 MEDIA KIT flourish 1 9 August These astounding and starkly beautiful dance works reveal the many expressive possibilities of dance. Serenade, one of legendary choreographer George Balanchine s earliest works, is a milestone in the history of dance. As fresh and illuminating now as when it was created in 1934, this iconic work re-shaped classical ballet into poetic geometry with a drifting, swirling ensemble, awash with beauty and bathed in light. Short Dialogues brought people to their feet when it premièred in Queensland Ballet s International Gala A provoking glimpse into three couples relationships, Nils Christe s choreography is fast, sharp and perfectly matched to Philip Glass s pulsing score. Another work of recent times, Nicolo Fonte s Bolero steadily builds to the famous rhythm of Ravel s rising orchestral music. Fonte s precise, athletic choreography captures the escalating intensity of the music, culminating in an exuberant finale. In contrast, the grand pas de deux from La Esmeralda is a gem from the classical era. Adapting Marius Petipa s revival of the original work by Jules Perrot, Ben Stevenson has created a thrilling showpiece of bravura technique. Serenade Choreographer George Balanchine Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Serenade for Strings in C major) Short Dialogues Choreographer Nils Christe Composer Philip Glass (Concerto for Violin and Orchestra) La Esmeralda grand pas de deux Choreographer Ben Stevenson OBE, after Marius Petipa Composer Cesare Pugni (La Esmeralda) Bolero Choreographer Nicolo Fonte Composer Maurice Ravel (Bolero) Venue Playhouse, QPAC Dates & TimeS Friday 1 August Saturday 2 August 1.30pm Class Tuesday 5 August 6.30pm Q&A Wednesday 6 August 12.30pm Q&A Thursday 7 August Friday 8 August Saturday 9 August 1.30pm Class single ticket prices Adult $90 Concession $80 30 yrs & under $60 Child $50 An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.

9 08 MEDIA KIT bold, daring dance FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN I m very excited about 2014 s mixed program, Flourish. It features work from some of the best choreographers in the world and will deepen our audience s understanding of this beautiful art form. I was keen to introduce one of George Balanchine s most celebrated works to the Company s repertoire, and our dancers are ideally suited to his graceful, lyrical style. In contrast, the works of Nicolo Fonte and Nils Christe are informed by a contemporary aesthetic, and each is an athletic tour-de-force. Including a famous classical pas de deux, choreographed by Ben Stevenson after Marius Petipa, is my way of reminding us of ballet s remarkable heritage. Our versatile dancers will shine in these diverse short ballets, each requiring demanding technique.

10 09 MEDIA KIT the Nutcracker December Welcome the holiday season with this beloved and magical Christmas tale. When midnight strikes, young Clara s enchanted Christmas gift leads her into a wondrous world... with the valiant Nutcracker at her side, Clara defeats King Rat and his giant mice, and journeys to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. There, the Sugar Plum Fairy bids everyone to dance in her honour. Ben Stevenson s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker is a sheer delight, with sparkling dance and stunning sets and costumes that bring a host of fanciful characters to life. The Nutcracker is the perfect festive celebration for the whole family. Choreographer Ben Stevenson OBE Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Conductor Andrew Mogrelia Venue Playhouse, QPAC Dates & Times Friday 12 December Saturday 13 December 1.30pm Tuesday 16 December 1.30pm Q&A Thursday 18 December Friday 19 December Saturday 20 December 1.30pm Audio-Described single ticket prices Adult $90 Concession $80 30 yrs & under $60 Child $50 Family $240 An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.

11 10 MEDIA KIT family christmas tradition FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN I want The Nutcracker to be a festive family tradition in Brisbane, as it is in many other cities around the world. It s the perfect Christmas ballet for young and old to enjoy together, and walk away having experienced something magical. Not only will this beautiful ballet enchant audiences, it gives our dancers the opportunity to shine in Ben Stevenson s charming and technically challenging choreography for a host of fairytale characters. THE HISTORY The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from ETA Hoffmann s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on 18 December Although the original production was not a success, the short orchestral suite that Tchaikovsky extracted from the ballet score found instant public appeal. The complete Nutcracker ballet has enjoyed enormous popularity since the late 1960s and is now performed by countless ballet companies across the world, primarily during the Christmas season. THE CHOREOGRAPHER BEN STEVENSON Ben Stevenson served as Artistic Director of Houston Ballet from , raising the company to an internationally acclaimed ensemble. Born in England, Ben appeared with Sadler s Wells Royal Ballet and English National Ballet where, as a Principal Dancer, he performed leading roles in all the classics. In 1967, English National Ballet asked him to stage his first production, The Sleeping Beauty, which starred Margot Fonteyn. In 1968, he was invited to direct the newly formed Harkness Youth Dancers in New York, and in 1971, he joined the National Ballet in Washington DC as co-director. Ben has received numerous awards for his choreography, including gold medals at the International Ballet Competitions of 1972, 1982, and In 2003, he was appointed Artistic Director Emeritus of Houston Ballet, and the company s affiliated school was renamed Houston Ballet s Ben Stevenson Academy. In 2003, Ben assumed the artistic directorship of Texas Ballet Theater.

12 11 MEDIA KIT dance dialogues Summer 20 February 8 March spring 30 October 13 November Join the Company in its home for this relaxed and intimate dance experience. In the Thomas Dixon Centre studio, where our Company practises daily, you will witness the process of rehearsal as Artistic staff coach the dancers in excerpts of repertoire for upcoming performances. Also, be the first to experience new works created by emerging choreographers, among them Tim Podesta and Queensland Ballet Principal Dancer, Matthew Lawrence. SUMMER 20 February 8 March Venue Thomas Dixon Centre, West End Dates & Times Thursday 20 February Friday 21 February Saturday 22 February Tuesday 25 February Wednesday 26 February Thursday 27 February Friday 28 February Saturday 1 March Wednesday 5 March Friday 7 March Saturday 8 March 1.30pm, 6.30pm 1.30pm, 12.30pm (schools only) 1.30pm, Spring 30 October 13 November Venue Thomas Dixon Centre, West End Dates & Times Thursday 30 October Friday 31 October Saturday 1 November Tuesday 4 November Wednesday 5 November Thursday 6 November Friday 7 November Saturday 8 November Tuesday 11 November Wednesday 12 November Thursday 13 November 1.30pm, 6.30pm 1.30pm, 6.30pm 1.30pm, Single ticket prices All tickets $50 An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies. New dance works created for Dance Dialogues are supported by the Queensland Ballet Choreography Fund.

13 12 MEDIA KIT Step closer FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN With Dance Dialogues, I continue to indulge my passion to nurture emerging choreographic talent, and to share some of the intricacies of the craft of ballet with you. This studio series is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to see their Company up close, in a relaxed setting, and learn more about this beautiful art form from myself, other creatives and Artistic staff.

14 13 MEDIA KIT QUEENSLAND REGIONAL TOUR cinderella 13 September 15 October Following a sold-out Brisbane season, our beautiful Cinderella is set to spread a little magic in regional Queensland in Given a glittering gown by her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella travels to the royal ball in a miraculous pumpkin coach. Making a dazzling entrance, she captures the attention of all and the heart of the Prince. Yet her beautiful dream must end at midnight, and in her haste to depart, she leaves one jewelled slipper behind From the antics of the Ugly Stepsisters to the beauty of the wedding pas de deux, Ben Stevenson s classic production of Cinderella will entertain and charm adults and children alike. Choreographer Ben Stevenson OBE Composer Sergei Prokofiev Dates, Times & Venues Toowoomba Saturday 13 September Empire Theatre 1.30pm, Gold Coast Saturday 20 September 1.30pm, 7pm The Arts Centre Gold Coast Cairns Friday 26 September Saturday 27 September 1.30pm Cairns Civic Theatre Townsville Wednesday 1 October 7pm Townsville Civic Theatre Mackay Saturday 4 October 7pm Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre Maryborough Wednesday 8 October 7pm The Brolga Theatre Rockhampton Saturday 11 October Pilbeam Theatre Gladstone Wednesday 15 October 7pm Gladstone Entertainment Centre Visit queenslandballet.com.au for regional tour booking information. The 2014 tour of Cinderella is supported by the Queensland Government s Playing Fund Boost to Touring.

15 14 MEDIA KIT dreams do come true FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN Cinderella holds a special place in my heart. Ben Stevenson s production was one of the first ballets that I saw when I went to the West. I had tears in my eyes as I watched it not only is the music beautiful, but the story is full of magic and joy. Fairytales embody the hopes of people, and offer wise insights into human nature. I m delighted to bring this magical and extraordinary ballet to regional audiences. THE HISTORY The best known version in Western cultures appeared in a collection of tales written by Charles Perrault in The earliest known ballet was presented in 1913 in Vienna. Many ballets have been choreographed on this tale, but one of the most frequently staged productions in modern times is Ben Stevenson s interpretation. Prokofiev wrote the music for this ballet between 1940 and It came after his other great ballet score, Romeo & Juliet, written in the 1930s. Prokofiev s melodic invention is a great feature of the work, and the music is scored for a large orchestra. There are also three suites for orchestra which the composer authorised for use in concert.

16 15 MEDIA KIT discover more ABOUT QUEENSLAND BALLET Queensland Ballet is a vibrant, creative company which connects people and dance across Queensland. Season 2014 is the second season under the artistic direction of Li Cunxin. An internationally acclaimed ballet dancer and author of the best-selling autobiography, Mao s Last Dancer, Li Cunxin leads an ensemble of dedicated and highly accomplished, classically-trained dancers. We offer a program of world-class productions of the best classical ballets and inspired contemporary dance works, engaging renowned choreographers and designers from around the world. The Company also nurtures emerging local talent, showcasing exciting new works in the Dance Dialogues studio series. Each year, Queensland Ballet presents up to 70 performances in Brisbane and tours to regional Queensland. The excellent facilities at the Company s home in the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane s West End allow us to offer a full range of training and community access programs, including public dance classes. We are committed to providing a pathway for young talent through our Pre-Professional and Junior Programs, as well as in the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, a program offered in partnership with Education Queensland. Queensland Ballet is dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence, dance education and innovative presentation of classical repertoire. With bold and confident ambitions for the future, we proudly build upon the legacy of many creative and gifted artists who have been part of the Company s rich 53-year history. Discover more about Queensland Ballet and our backstage world. Here are a few ways you can get to know us better: Post-performance Q&A After selected performances at QPAC, a panel of creative artists and dancers discusses aspects of the ballet you ve just seen. Pre-performance Company Class Patrons at select matinee performances at QPAC are welcome to watch our dancers take their daily warm-up class on stage. Information Evenings Season ticket holders will be invited to exclusive information evenings before a production opens. Hear all about the process of bringing a ballet to the stage directly from those who are creating it. ROMEO & JULIET OPENING NIGHT GALA Purchase tickets to this special event, which includes pre and post-performance hospitality at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, for $100 per person. Storytellers in the Foyer Before performances of Coppélia and The Nutcracker (excluding opening nights), storytellers will read these classic tales to children, so they enter the theatre full of expectation and excitement. Complimentary Programs Informative, keepsake programs are distributed free-of-charge at all performances.

17 16 MEDIA KIT CLASSES adult dance classes Dance can offer physical and social benefits to people of all ages. at Queensland Ballet, we offer dance classes to ensure that you can reap the rewards. We offer weekly classes in ballet, Pilates and contemporary dance for anyone aged from 16 years to mature adults. With the focus on fun, all classes are designed to increase fitness, flexibility and co-ordination in a friendly and relaxed environment. Research suggests that dance can also improve cognitive performance and reaction times, making it a useful treatment for a number of conditions, including arthritis, dementia, depression and Parkinson s Disease (PD). Queensland Ballet has introduced Dance for Parkinson s with the support of Parkinson s Queensland, Dance for PD specialist, Erica Rose Jeffrey, and David Leventhal from the Mark Morris Dance Group (New York). Anyone affected by Parkinson s, their carers, partners and friends, are all welcome to participate. For more information and the dance classes timetable, visit queenslandballet.com.au or phone school & studio programs We love to connect people of all ages with dance. with young people in mind, we have created some highly enjoyable activities for students. Our EdSquad introduces young people to dance through a series of creative workshops in schools. Ballet, creative movement and repertoire workshops are designed to deliver fun, safe, and inspiring dance experiences for all ages and abilities. During Terms 2 and 3 in 2014, these highly engaging dance experiences will be offered at low-cost in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and free-of-charge in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Maryborough, and Toowoomba. To encourage students to experience dance in performance, school and studio groups are offered reduced ticket prices (*$25 per student, 1 teacher free per 10 students). Curriculum-relevant background material is supplied to teachers in advance, and a Q&A session for students is held after the performance. Schools with limited resources may apply to participate in our Pas de Deux Program, which provides complimentary access for students and their teachers. Private dance studios in Brisbane may join our Adopt-a-Dancer program, and form a very special connection with a professional dancer who shares expertise and friendship in a workshop, and through personal correspondence. Discover how to learn more and experience the joy of dance with us at queenslandballet.com.au or learn@queenslandballet.com.au. For school bookings to performances in Brisbane, phone the Qtix School Group Hotline on * Available for Brisbane performances only. Excludes all Dance Dialogues performances other than Wednesday 5 March. Additional $14 transaction fee applies.

18 17 MEDIA KIT training programs Developing the artists of the future plays an important role in Queensland Ballet s commitment to excellence. Queensland Ballet offers two well-established training programs for students from 11 years of age, supervised by Artistic Director, Li Cunxin and Director of Training, Christian Tátchev. Annual auditions to enter the programs attract a large number of applicants. The Pre-Professional Program is a full-time program which aims to give students the final preparation and training they require before joining a professional ballet company. Students work intensively with Artistic staff to develop their skills to the highest artistic and technical standards. They take classes in classical ballet, pointe work, pas de deux, male technique, repertoire, contemporary dance, drama/ mime, body conditioning and Pilates. Performance opportunities are also offered when possible. The Junior Program is designed to supplement the training that talented young dance students receive from community dance studios and teachers. Junior students attend a weekly class, and are given first consideration for juvenile roles in Queensland Ballet productions. In addition, the Ballet Program in the Queensland Dance School of Excellence (QDSE) operates in partnership with Queensland Ballet and the Queensland Government s Department of Education and Training through Kelvin Grove State College. This unique program gives talented students the opportunity to pursue elite ballet training while completing face-to-face senior academic studies. Launching in 2014, Queensland Ballet s Summer School is a six-day training course that aims to further the essential skills of ballet students aged between 11 and 18 years. Held in January, young dancers will have the opportunity to work under the guidance of Queensland Ballet s Artistic staff and guest teachers. For more information on our training programs, go to queenslandballet.com.au or training@queenslandballet.com.au.

19 18 MEDIA KIT our partners & supporters Government Queensland Ballet receives financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Queensland Ballet is assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding advisory body. principal partner Season 2014 Photography Creative Direction: Designfront Photography: Harold David Styling: Peter Simon Philips Make-up: Amber D, Senior Artist M. A. C Hair: Kimberley Forbes for O&M Cover: Meng Ningning Page 1: Rachael Walsh Pages 3 & 4: Clare Morehen Pages 5 & 6: Rachael Walsh & Matthew Lawrence Pages 7 & 8: Meng Ningning, Clare Morehen & Nathan Scicluna Pages 9 & 10: Hao Bin & Meng Ningning Pages 11 & 12: (standing, l to r) Matthew Lawrence, Lisa Edwards, Li Cunxin, Natasha Kusch, Yu Hui; (kneeling, l to r) Rachael Walsh, Clare Morehen; (seated, l to r) Nathan Scicluna, Meng Ningning, Hao Bin Pages 13 & 14: Rachael Walsh & Yu Hui (Photography: Alexia Sinclair; Art Direction: Alexia Sinclair and Designfront) Page 15: Company Dancers (Photography: David Kelly) Page 16: School workshop with Ed Squad (Photography: Sarah Granholm) Page 17: Pre-Professional Program Students (Photography: Christian Aas) Page 19: Clare Morehen & Matthew Lawrence Queensland Ballet Patron Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC Governor of Queensland Board Brett Clark (Chair), David Thomas (Deputy Chair), Winna Brown, Dawid Falck, Peter Godber, Margaret Lucas OAM, Catriona Mordant, Assoc. Prof. Gene Moyle, Amanda Talbot Artistic Director Li Cunxin Chief Executive Officer Anna Marsden major partners Season Partners support Partners creative Partners The Thomas Dixon Centre Cnr Drake Street & Montague Road West End QLD 4101 PO Box 3791, South Brisbane QLD 4101 Phone (bookings): Phone (administration): Fax: mail@queenslandballet.com.au queenslandballet.com.au Facebook Twitter Official Suppliers Augustine s on George, French Flowers, M. A. C, Theme & Variations, Through the Looking Glass, Veracity Business Solutions, Yellow Cabs (Qld) Queensland Ballet is very grateful to the Artistic Director s Circle, Charles Lisner Circle, Benefactors, Dancers Circle, Queensland Ballet Friends and many generous individuals, trusts and foundations, for their support. For information about how to become more involved with Queensland Ballet, please contact us on or development@queenslandballet.com.au.

20 MEDIA ENQUIRIES Publicist & Digital Content Producer Natasha Spong P M E nspong@queenslandballet.com.au