Li Cunxin to stay on as AD at QLD Ballet

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Ballet audiences have welcomed the news that internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Li Cunxin recently confirmed his intention to stay at the helm of Queensland Ballet for another four years.

 

As chair of the Queensland Ballet Board, Brett Clark said the company couldn’t be happier that Li will remain as Artistic Director until 2020. Clark said he was delighted with the progression of Queensland Ballet over the last four years under Li and that the company had a bold vision for continued growth in all areas including the art form, audience, artists and community.

 

“Li’s leadership, his international reputation and his vision for Queensland Ballet has played such an instrumental role in the company’s success,” Clark said. “In Li’s role as Artistic Director he has built on Queensland Ballet’s rich history both artistically and professionally. He’s never one to rest on his laurels though and I know he’ll continue to push boundaries, seek new opportunities and ensure the ongoing success of our company and our art form.”

 

Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe said Queensland Ballet was extremely grateful to an anonymous donor who committed to supporting Li’s appointment over the next four years.

 

“We could not do what we do without the ongoing support of our wonderful partners, benefactors and donors,” Weerasinghe said. “We have such an amazing vision for where we want to go and we are certainly on that journey already, the fact that Li will remain with us to make our big ideas a reality, is wonderful. His energy is inexhaustible and we’re looking forward to keeping up with him over the next four years.”

 

Li Cunxin in Queensland Ballet rehearsal. Photo by Eduardo Vieira.Li said Queensland Ballet has experienced an extraordinary period of growth in recent years and has established itself as a very well respected arts company in Australia and internationally.

 

“We have enjoyed great success recently, seeing incredible growth in our audiences both in Brisbane and regionally,” he said. “It’s great that we’re connecting with more people and communities, which means more people having an appreciation of, and love for, this beautiful art form.”

 

“Another extremely important part of our progress is the development of our artists. It’s so rewarding to see the artistic growth of our dancers, they really are world-class performers,” he added. “Our ongoing success has meant we’ve attracted international dancers to work with us, both as permanent company dancers and also guest stars. It’s also gratifying to see the high standard of students graduating from our Queensland Ballet Academy, with many joining the company.”

 

Li said the company’s international reputation has allowed them “opportunities to work with some of the world’s most sought-after choreographers and to deliver world-class productions.” He named recent highlights like working with the acclaimed Liam Scarlett, performing Derek Deane’s smash hit Strictly Gershwin and the successful season of the late Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet.

 

Dancer preparing shoes for ballet classHe concluded, “I’m excited about QB’s journey over the next four years and beyond and I look forward to sharing more news about some wonderful opportunities for the company in the very near future.”

 

For the moment, Queensland Ballet’s Season 2017 program has been welcomed with open arms by season ticket holders, with sales tracking ahead of where they were at the same time last year. It is a season of cherished classics alongside innovative new contemporary works that will have wide appeal to audiences. For more information, watch the video below and visit www.queenslandballet.com.au.

 

 

Photo (top): Li Cunxin portrait. Photo by Harold David. Photos (left and right): Rehearsal images. Photos by Eduardo Vieira.