Queensland Ballet’s 2020 season also happens to be the company’s 60th anniversary. The program is a mixture of much-loved classical works from the canon such as The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, alongside new classical works such as Dracula. Queensland Ballet is even touring to Melbourne, with its production of Dangerous Liaisons. The season kicks off with a 60th anniversary gala featuring international guest stars and a program that pays tribute to past artistic directors’ work. Principal Dancer Laura Hidalgo gives us an overview of the season.
“Next year is such an exciting year,” Hidalgo says. “The 60th Gala Anniversary is going to be incredible. To be part of the company as it celebrates its legacy is going to be very special, especially seeing the generations of Queensland Ballet unite for these special performances.”
She adds, “I am also really excited to take Dangerous Liaisons to Melbourne. It is such a captivating ballet and even more special that it was created for Queensland Ballet.”
Chief ballet master and former Australian Ballet principal Greg Horsman’s The Sleeping Beauty is also in the programming for 2020, and Hidalgo will be playing Aurora.
“The Sleeping Beauty has always been a challenging ballet to perform,” says Hidalgo, “no matter the version you do. I have been fortunate to work with many different choreographers and perform this classic ballet many times. Greg Horsman’s version will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first time I performed the role of Princess Aurora. Greg’s variation of The Sleeping Beauty is beautiful, and he ensures the story is told very clearly, by cutting out the characters that aren’t important and focusing on what makes the traditional story beloved by all. The music, the sets and the costumes are all incredible. I love that his own personal touches shine throughout the ballet.”
The season also features Synergy, an established annual program that brings together established choreographers and emerging talent to create new works together. Horsman’s Peter and the Wolf returns as an homage to a version choreographed by Queensland Ballet Founder and former Artistic Director Charles Lisner OBE. The beloved children’s classic will be on in August. The perennial crowd-pleaser, The Nutcracker, returns to close the 2020 season.
For more information, visit www.queenslandballet.com.au/2020.
By Tamara Searle of Dance Informa.
Share this:
