The Dancers Company launches tour in July

Regional families are in for a treat this winter as The Dancers Company tours a spectacular classical triple bill across Victoria and New South Wales. With the support of Principal Partner Telstra, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring arm will perform 25 shows in 12 venues from July 15 to August 22.

Now in its 25th year, The Dancers Company continues to bring the magical experience of ballet to communities around the country, showcasing the artistry and technical skills of graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, with guest appearances by artists from The Australian Ballet.

This stunning triple bill demonstrates the diversity of classical ballet, from the sumptuous costumes and pristine pointe work of Swan Lake Act III and Paquita, to the hilarity and athleticism of Rimbombo.

Leading the cast in Swan Lake and Paquita are four company dancers from The Australian Ballet, including Coryphées Jared Wright and Valerie Tereshchenko, and Corps de Ballet member Brodie James.

Telstra’s Chief Financial Officer Warwick Bray said the company’s 30-year partnership with The Australian Ballet aims to connect more Australians with the joys of ballet.

“Telstra is incredibly proud to be supporting The Australian Ballet’s regional touring arm which provides more opportunities for Australians in regional centres to experience live, world-class ballet right on their doorstep,” said Bray.

Swan Lake is undeniably the most beloved ballet of all time. This traditional version of Act III, the dramatic ballroom scene, features the famous Black Swan pas de deux.

The beautiful tutu spectacular Paquita is one of the cornerstones of traditional classical ballet and the perfect opportunity to see the dancers’ sparkling technique on display.

Rimbombo, Italian for “rumble”, reveals the athleticism of the male dancers. Since its premiere in 2013, it has inspired rapturous applause and laughter in audiences of all ages.

In addition to the regional performances of these works, The Australian Ballet will offer audiences a rare look behind the curtain with its much-loved Step Inside program.

As part of the program, Dancers’ Class on Stage will offer audiences the chance to watch the company as they are guided through their daily class by a member of the artistic staff. It’s an opportunity to get an insight into the working life of a touring dancer, and is followed by a Q&A session with dancers and staff. This unique occasion will be offered in Bathurst, Tamworth and Newcastle for $15 per attendee.

Also, the Step Inside program offers open classes, giving dance students the chance to participate in a class on stage with a member of the artistic staff, with live piano accompaniment. These classes will be offered exclusively in Hamilton, Wangaratta, Echuca, Albury and Dubbo for dancers aged 13-18 (grades 6 and up.) Each class costs $27.

See below for tour dates and locations. Learn more about The Dancers Company tour and Step Inside events at australianballet.com.au/the_dancers_company.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

VICTORIA

Hamilton, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre

Wednesday 15 July 7:30pm

Dandenong, Drum Theatre

Friday 17 July 7:30pm, Saturday 18 July 1:30pm & 7:30pm

Wangaratta, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre

Wednesday 22 July 7:30pm

Echuca, Echuca Paramount Theatre

Friday 24 July 7:30pm, Saturday 25 July 1:30pm

NEW SOUTH WALES

Albury, Albury Entertainment Centre

Tuesday 28 July 7:30pm

Wollongong, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

Friday 31 July 7:30pm

Saturday 1 August 1:30pm & 7:30pm

Bathurst, Bathurst Entertainment Centre

Tuesday 4 August 7:30pm

Wednesday 5 August 7:30pm

Dubbo, Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre

Friday 7 August 8pm

Saturday 8 August 1:30pm

Tamworth, Capitol Theatre

Tuesday 11 August 7:30pm

Wednesday 12 August 7:30pm

Port Macquarie, Glasshouse Theatre

Friday 14 August 7:30pm

Saturday 15 August 1:30pm & 7:30pm

Newcastle, Civic Theatre

Tuesday 18 August 7:30pm

Wednesday 19 August 7:30pm

Parramatta, Riverside Theatre

Friday 21 August 7:30pm

Saturday 22 August 1:30pm & 7:30pm

Photo: The Dancers Company in Paquita. Photo by Jim McFarlane.