Queensland Ballet is Coming Home to the Thomas Dixon Centre

Queensland Ballet is preparing to move back into their re-developed Thomas Dixon Centre, and are sharing some sneak peeks of the beautiful art and spaces that will be welcoming them home.

Ten years in the making, the revitalisation of this historic beauty, a former boot factory in Brisbane’s West End, holds many extraordinary stories of passion, tenacity and altruism. Queensland Ballet was determined to refurbish their heritage home, not only to house their own artists and arts workers for years to come – but to create a vibrant space for their neighbours, sector, and wider community.

Over the coming months, Queensland Ballet is aiming to share several public spaces and facilities in the new Thomas Dixon Centre. The first public space to open, will be the beautiful Talbot Theatre, to host the much-anticipated children’s tale of Peter and the Wolf. After numerous COVID-related cancellations, postponements, and venue changes, ticketholders of this production will be the first to take a seat and experience a performance in the new theatre.

The incredible, light-filled studios will be utilised for Community Dance Classes, as well as available for hire by other arts organisations, independent artists and community groups. A new expanded dance class timetable will be released in July as they grow into the new spaces.

Fulfilling Li’s wish to celebrate Brisbane’s skyline, the spectacular Kite Terrace sits right at the top of the building and you’ll be able to enjoy this space, and others, via the Thomas Dixon Centre Experience offerings.

Over time, Queensland Ballet plans to open two hospitality spaces: an intimate bar in their WWII bunker space, lovingly restored, and a café at the front entrance of the building. Of course, as you attend a performance in the Theatre, the Foyer Bar will meet your refreshment needs.

Queensland Ballet’s new home was designed to be a welcoming destination for all, not just for their dancers and arts workers. Thomas Dixon Centre is a genuine cultural hub. There are three permanent, free exhibits from renowned artists: Judy Watson (Queensland), Jamie North (NSW), and teamLab (international). See all permanent exhibitions at the Thomas Dixon Centre here.

The Thomas Dixon Centre story is one of relationships. The extent of its breathtaking transformation is thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Queensland Ballet team working alongside Queensland Government, building partners, sector, and the local community. They are most grateful for the generosity of visionary donors and supporters, particularly The Ian Potter Foundation. Their belief and fervour to be part of this transformational project and a momentous part of their history is humbling. Queensland Ballet’s contribution from donors is more than $26million. A true legacy.

Queensland Ballet has created a new website that tells the Thomas Dixon Centre story and acts as their digital front door. Here, you’ll discover all the spaces within the Thomas Dixon Centre, as well as a What’s On calendar, information for venue hire, community events and you’ll be able to sign up to the eNewsletter and follow their Instragram account.

Click here to learn more