In a year which included a changing of the guard at Queensland Ballet, there were few changes from the company dancers during 2024, signalling a steady hand from Acting Artistic Director, Greg Horsman.
In its 65th year, Queensland Ballet is set to enchant audiences with a captivating lineup of iconic masterpieces, world premieres, and an exciting blend of established and emerging choreographic talents. This season promises to take audiences on a breathtaking journey through ballet narratives inspired by classic literature.
During her time as Artistic Director, Leanne Benjamin announced the homecoming of Australian born dancer Alison McWhinney as a Senior Soloist. She also contracted Alisa Pukkinen as a company artist. Benjamin also brought in James Barton as Ballet Master.
2024 saw one promotion, with Luke DiMattina moving up to First Company Artist. After her success at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, Ruby Day joined Queensland Ballet in November, as a Company Artist.
Joining the company on full company contracts in 2025 will be Ethan Mrmacovski, Taron Geyl and Joseph Moss. All three have come from the Company’s talent springboard Jette Parker Young Artists program. Alfie Shacklock is also staying on, as is Sean Ferenczi.
The Jette Parker Young Artists for 2025 are: Annie Chen (The Australian Ballet School), Declan Daines (ABS), Jai Fauchon (ABS), Moeki Kojima (Queensland Ballet Academy), Georgia Lorange, Seth Marshall (2nd year Jette Parker Young Artists), Levi Miller (ABS), Mia Paske (QBA), Francesca Poi (ABS), Eli Southurst (QBA), Brooke Tarry (QBA) and Telia Townsend (QBA).
Interesting to note, Miller was selected to perform with The Australian Ballet for the Melbourne season of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘Oscar’, and of course Southurst will be a familiar face to audience members who saw Cinderella or Papillon.
Former Principal Artist Joel Woellner secured an international contract with Ballet Zurich and departed the company in August. His final performance was Coppelia in June. “Queensland Ballet is a place that has nurtured and developed my skills as a ballet dancer over the last nine years, for which I will always be thankful,” he said.
After several years managing a back injury, First Company Artist David Power made the difficult decision to retire from professional dancing. He moved into a new position with the company as the Jette Parker Ballet Associate. “There is never a right time for a dancer to step away from their dream, but I feel so supported and empowered to take this opportunity,” Power noted. “Ballet has given me a lifetime of memories and connections that I will cherish forever.”
First Company Artist Liam Geck also retired from dancing and has move to the Hunter Valley to peruse his passion for wine and begin training as a sommelier. Company Artist Mali Comlekci is departing Queensland Ballet to explore new styles and repertoire. He’ll be joining another renowned Australian dance company in the new year. And Jette Parker Young Artist Joshua Douglas has a contract with Royal New Zealand Ballet and will head over the Tasman at the end of the year.
2025 was a year of new life, too. Principal Artist Yanela Pinera retuned from maternity leave after the birth of her daughter, Lucia. She and husband Camillo Ramos (Coordinator of the Pre-professional Program at QBA) couldn’t be happier as parents. “Parenthood is hard, but it’s so wonderful. It changes your life completely. And for us, because we both have a career, but to have a child, your life is even richer,” Pinera said. “I always wanted to be a mum, but I waited a little longer. As a lead dancer, you always want to do every ballet, every role and get as many opportunities as possible.”
Soloist Lina Kim departed for maternity leave during the year after welcoming her second child into the world. And Principal Artist Lucy Green is expecting her first born with husband and former Queensland Ballet dancer Samuel Packer. It officially brings the number of mothers from the dancing contingent to four.
As the year draws to a close, Queensland Ballet is currently in discussions with candidates for the role of Artistic Director, drawn from inner circles.
To learn more about Queensland Ballet and the upcoming 2025 Season, head to www.queenslandballet.com.au.
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