New Director for Australian Ballet School

Cmr Leigh Johns, Chairman of The Australian Ballet School, today announced that former Australian Ballet Principal Artist, Lisa Pavane, will become the next Director of the School when the current Director, Marilyn Rowe OBE, retires at the end of 2014.

Ms Pavane joined The Australian Ballet in 1981 and was a Principal Artist between 1986 and 1994.  Between 1994 and 1999 Ms Pavane was a Senior Principal Ballerina with the English National Ballet.  Ms Pavane is currently the Deputy Director of the School.

“Since it began teaching in 1964 the School has had the distinguished service of three visionary Directors, Dame Margaret Scott AC, DBE, Gailene Stock AM, CBE and Marilyn Rowe OBE.” said Cmr Johns, “In choosing Lisa to be the next, and only fourth, Director of the national school the Board has chosen an artistic leader with an exceptional ability to maintain the School’s reputation here and abroad as Australia’s national centre for elite vocational classical dance training.”

Cmr Johns continued: “Having conducted an international search over many months it became obvious that Lisa was the stand-out candidate for appointment.  Lisa has the perfect mix of experience to lead our School as it continues to produce dancers with a distinctive Australian style through a holistic educational programme, which balances technique, artistry, academic education and student care.”

Current Director, Marilyn Rowe said “I cannot imagine anyone better to take The Australian Ballet School into the future; her pedigree is exceptional. Lisa will ensure the School goes from strength to strength; she will build on past achievements with vision, passion, knowledge and integrity, ensuring the School remains at the forefront in dance training, education, research and student health and welfare. Under her inspirational leadership, The Australian Ballet School’s international reputation will be enhanced as it  continues to create the stars of tomorrow and the artistic leaders of the future.”

In accepting the appointment Ms Pavane said “The School has a history of visionary, dynamic and capable leaders and I feel honoured and privileged to be following in their footsteps. I have been fortunate to have worked closely with these inspirational leaders and in so doing have been greatly influenced by them. I am very excited as we move into the next era, continuing to train students and teachers of the highest calibre and contributing to the future of dance in Australia.

As the Director of the School Ms Pavane will report to the Board and work closely with its General Manager, Sandra Ball.