The Australian Ballet Brings 60th Anniversary Celebrations To Griffith

Experience the artistry of The Australian Ballet on stage at the Griffith Regional Theatre on Wednesday, August 9.

With a program including contemporary pieces and a classical favourite, The Australian Ballet is delighted to return to celebrateits 60th year as Australia's national ballet company, with over 40 years of touring repertoire across Australia.

The 2023 Australian Ballet On Tour will feature Act III of The Sleeping Beauty.

Choreographed by The Australian Ballet artistic staff, this excerpt includes the Grand Pas de Deux from Act III and tells the timeless fairy tale of Princess Aurora, cursed to fall asleep on her 16th birthday for 100 years before being awoken by true love's kiss.

Featuring Tchaikovsky's famous score alongside dazzling tutus and beloved characters, this excerpt from The Sleeping Beauty will leave you spellbound.

The program also features two contemporary pieces - Lucas Jervies’ The Vow, set at a wedding in the outback, which explores the complications of love and the idea that partnership is a choice, not a destiny.

The second piece is a brand-new work, created by renowned choreographer Stephanie Lake, titled Circle Electric. The work invites you into an intricate web of human relationships.

Six dancers explore the impact we have on each other's lives - fleeting or lasting, and the complex dynamics of togetherness, love, pain, trust, conflict.

Each interaction is a slice of life where the dancers weave, collide, entangle, and move in unison.

The Australian Ballet On Tour is also offering a chance for ballet fans to get a unique behind-the-scenes experience and watch the dancers train.

This Class On Tour is accompanied with commentary by The Australian Ballet artistic staff and is a free experience. Registration for Class On Tour is required and can be done through the Theatre’s website.

Griffith Regional Theatre Manager, Marg Andreazza, said The Australian Ballet was one of the world's premier ballet companies and delivered extraordinary performances.

“Patrons adored their last performance of Coppélia in 2019 and we know this 60th Anniversary Celebration show will be something really special,” she said.

The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Lissa Twomey said the Australian Ballet had toured the country bringing exquisite productions to communities that might otherwise never have had the opportunity to attend a live ballet performance for the past 60 years.

“Since 1980, The Australian Ballet has delivered over 800 performances in 71 locations, travelling approximately 10,000 kilometres each year by bus, plane, car and truck to engage with audiences in all over Australia,” Ms Twomey said.

Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet David Hallberg said taking The Australian Ballet on tour was a vital link to audiences around the country.

“Many of our dancers’ careers were cultivated in dance schools across the nation and we hope our performances will inspire kids in Australia to explore dance with The Australian Ballet, Mr Hallberg said.”

The Australian Ballet On Tour will perform at Griffith Regional Theatre on Wednesday 9 August at 7.30 pm.

Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office, by visiting www.griffithregionaltheatre.com.au or calling 6962 8444.

• Topics:

• Performing Arts