The Australian Ballet is thrilled to announce its 2024 On Tour program, bringing an enchanting repertoire of classical favourites and contemporary works to communities across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, in collaboration with The Australian Ballet School and Principal Partner Telstra.
The Australian Ballet On Tour: The Sleeping Beauty Act III and other works will commence this June, in Renmark, Tanunda Port Pirie and Whyalla in South Australia, before heading to Bendigo in Victoria, and Goulburn, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.
The touring party, including The Australian Ballet dancers, Education and Outreach team members, and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School, is estimated to reach an estimated 15,000 audience members across the three states.
Audiences will be transported to a realm of romance, wonder and storybook-charm with Act III of The Sleeping Beauty. This iconic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score will feature alongside one of George Balanchine’s most joyous pieces, Allegro Brillante.
These timeless classics are a testament to The Australian Ballet’s commitment to preserving the artform’s greatest and most-loved repertoire while exploring its exciting future.
Circle Electric: Prologue is an electrifying new work from The Australian Ballet’s Resident Choreographer, Stephanie Lake, especially commissioned for the On Tour program. Lake is a multi-award-winning Australian choreographer and is renowned for her unique contemporary style. It will be complemented by an additional a pas de deux, which is still to be announced.
The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Lissa Twomey said, “The Australian Ballet has been committed to sharing the beauty, joy and unparalleled artistry of our company with communities across Australia for over 60 years, and we’re thrilled to be taking this exquisite fusion of classical and contemporary works on tour in 2024.”
She added, “As Australia’s national ballet company, we are committed to making dance accessible to everyone. Through our touring, education and outreach programs – from first encounters, higher education programs, to in-theatre performances – we provide a range of opportunities to people of a diversity of background to connect and participate with dance and ballet.”
Artistic Director David Hallberg said, “Through our On Tour program, we strive to touch the hearts and minds of as many people as possible, and we’re delighted to continue The Australian Ballet’s long-standing tradition of presenting unforgettable ballet experiences to communities far and wide. This year’s On Tour repertoire is an exhilarating showcase of classical elegance and modernity that showcases the technical prowess of both the Company’s dancers and graduating students at The Australian Ballet School.”
On Tour is central to The Australian Ballet’s mission to bringing live performances and the experience of the artform to the broadest possible audience. It has become a highlight in the Company’s annual performance calendar, giving audiences outside major cities the opportunity to experience the joy of ballet at the highest quality.
On Tour has been supported by long-standing Principal Partner Telstra since 2001, with both organisations committed to bringing the best of the artform to as many regional audiences as possible. It also recognises that access to the arts is critical to the wellbeing of regional Australia. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Telstra’s support of The Australian Ballet, the longest standing arts partnership in Australia.
Through the theme of dance, the Company’s Education and Outreach team will engage with the broader community offering immersive, creative, collaborative and inspiring programs for ballet fans of all ages.
This includes Dancing Story (3-5 years olds), STEAMDANCE (primary and secondary school incursions), Youth Dance Workshops, ballet classes for adults and seniors, and Professional Development sessions for primary and secondary teachers.
For tickets and more information, visit australianballet.com.au/performances/the-australian-ballet-on-tour.