Australian Ballet to launch 2017 regional tour

The Australian Ballet is bringing romance to regional Australia as it presents the quintessential classical ballet Giselle in 2017. The critically acclaimed production will be presented in Tasmania from 28 June to 1 July, Victorian venues from 5 to 12 July and then on to New South Wales from 14 to 15 July.

Since its creation in 1841, Giselle has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with its heartbreaking love story, famous mad scene, sea of ghostly white tutus and impressive display of ballet technique.

Since 1982, The Australian Ballet Regional Tour, formally known as The Dancers Company, has brought the enchanting and transformative experience of ballet to communities across Australia. The tour showcases the artistry and technical skills of artists of The Australian Ballet and graduating students of The Australian Ballet School. In 2017, the tour is expected to reach over 11,000 people in regional locations through performances and community engagement activities.

Artistic Director David McAllister said, “Regional touring has been an important feature of the company’s activities since our very first tour back in 1966. Since 1980, the tour has partnered with The Australian Ballet School to undertake annual tours to regional centres, presenting a wide selection of our company’s diverse repertoire across the country.”

He continued, “This year we are taking one of the most treasured works – the romantic classic Giselle on the road. This is a ballet that all dancers love dancing and I am sure these dancers will follow in the footsteps of world-famous Italian ballet dancer Carlotta Grisi, who was so well known for performing the role of ‘Giselle’.”

Executive Director Libby Christie commented, “From our earliest years, The Australian Ballet has been committed to bringing world-class ballet to regional communities and we’re thrilled to be taking this production of Giselle on tour in 2017. Beyond performances, we will also connect with regional communities through a range of activities in theatres and local schools. Our touring party of 49 is preparing to cover more than 5,000 km this year. We are looking forward to continuing our tradition of presenting unforgettable experiences for our regional audiences.”

Telstra’s Chief Financial Officer Warwick Bray said the company’s 33-year partnership with The Australian Ballet has helped connect more Australians in smaller cities and towns with the joys of ballet.

“People in regional Australia should be able to enjoy the same world-class experiences as their friends and family living in big cities. We’re proud that our long-standing partnership with The Australian Ballet has helped more people in more places spend an amazing night at the ballet,” stated Bray.

Aligning with the tour, The Australian Ballet will engage with local communities through its “Step Inside” and “Behind the Scenes” programs. The Australian Ballet’s education team will also provide innovative, high-quality dance education that aligns with the Australian curriculum using a STEAM approach. The dance education team will visit 10 schools in regional NSW and Tasmania, whereby over 2,000 students will get to experience fun, interactive workshops delivered free of charge.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

TASMANIA 

Launceston, Princess Theatre

Wednesday 28 June, 7.30pm

VICTORIA 

Hobart, Theatre Royal

Friday 30 June, 7.30pm

Saturday 1 July, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Dandenong, Drum Theatre

Wednesday 5 July, 7.30pm

Thursday 6 July, 7.30pm

Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre

Saturday 8 July, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Wangaratta, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre

Tuesday 11 July, 7.30pm

Wednesday 12 July, 7.30pm

NEW SOUTH WALES

Albury, Albury Entertainment Centre

Friday 14 July, 7.30pm

Saturday 15 July, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

STEP INSIDE the Ballet

OPEN CLASSES

Hobart, Theatre Royal

Saturday 1 July, 4.30pm

Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre

Saturday 8 July, 4.30pm

Wangaratta, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre

Wednesday 12 July, 4:30pm

Albury, Albury Entertainment Centre

Saturday 15 July, 4.30pm

BEHIND THE SCENES: SNEEK PEAK

Hobart, Theatre Royal

Saturday 1 July, 12.00pm

Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre

Saturday 8 July, 12.00pm

Albury, Albury Entertainment Centre

Saturday 15 July, 12.00pm

For further information on The Australian Ballet Regional Tour and Step Inside events, visit www.australianballet.com.au or www.australianballet.com.au/step-inside.

Photo: Artists of The Australian Ballet Regional Tour. Photo by Jeff Busby.