The Aus Ballet made its return to London

Adam Bull and Amber Scott in London with The Australian Ballet on TourThe Australian Ballet received a very warm welcome in London this month when it presented Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake and Alexei Ratmasnky’s Cinderella at the Coliseum, the West End’s largest theatre. Rapturous applause from a packed audience welcomed the company as it began its season on Wednesday, July 13.

 

Following Swan Lake, the company celebrated the London premiere of Ratmasnky’s Cinderella on Wednesday, July 20. Artistic Director David McAllister said the opening was “so exciting,” that it was a privilege to present “one of the most celebrated works in our company repertoire to such wonderfully appreciative audiences in London.”

 

The Times reviewed Murphy’s production of Swan Lake, writing that it was a “total rethink, stripping the ballet of its fairytale roots, its evil spell and its much-loved tropes.” Continuing, the review read, “Instead, he gives us a dramatic, naturalistic tale of romantic betrayal and heartbreaking madness.”

 

The company took up residency for classes and rehearsals at the Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden. Offstage, the dancers enjoyed the sights and flavours of the city. Photographers captured dancers in motion in iconic areas including Kensington Palace, The Millennium Bridge, Notting Hill and Abbey Road. They also took photos by the iconic red phone boxes and in black cabs.

 

To see posts by the company and its dancers of their tour, head to social media and look under #TABLondonTour and #AusBallet.

 

This tour was made possible thanks to the company’s International Touring Fund, an endowment fund within The Australian Ballet Foundation that provides financial resources to regularly present The Australian Ballet on the world stage. The tour was also supported by the Australian Government and corporate partners like News UK and Qantas.

 

Photo: Adam Bull and Amber Scott in London. Photography Kate Longley.