As Ivan Gil-Ortega embarks on his new journey as the artistic leader of Queensland Ballet, his 25 years of experience in ballet, coaching and artistic direction position him uniquely to guide the company through exciting new ventures. A former Principal Dancer, Assistant Director and Artistic Consultant, Gil-Ortega has worked with top international companies like Stuttgart Ballet and Dutch National Ballet, collaborating with renowned choreographers such as Hans van Manen, William Forsythe and Carlos Acosta. Fluent in five languages and a respected stager and coach, he has contributed to major productions like Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, and The Nutcracker.
Here, Gil-Ortega shares with Dance Informa readers his insights on nurturing Australian talent, the evolving landscape of Queensland Ballet, his vision for international collaborations, and his thoughts on the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
Gil-Ortega’s impressive career includes roles as a principal dancer, artistic director and coach, with global experience working in various roles around the world. Reflecting on these diverse roles, Gil-Ortega emphasises how much of his preparation for this current position came from learning what not to do. “The most important thing I’ve learned from my experiences is understanding what I don’t want to replicate. Observing dancers and hearing their concerns across different places, I’ve come to realise the significance of eliminating what doesn’t work and fostering an environment that nurtures talent,” he shares.
Gil-Ortega’s connection to Queensland Ballet dates back to his collaborations in both 2016 and 2023. Describing these experiences, he fondly notes how easy it was to work with the Queensland Ballet dancers and staff, praising their work ethic and collaborative spirit. “It felt like home,” Gil-Ortega says, reflecting on the warm and inviting atmosphere of both the company and the city of Brisbane. “The first time I was here, it was one of the places where it was so easy to work with the people. They were very responsive to what I needed.”
This sense of familiarity and comfort has set the tone for Gil-Ortega’s vision for the company as he steps into his new role. For him, collaboration and trust with the dancers are key to ensuring Queensland Ballet’s continued growth.
As part of his vision for the company, Gil-Ortega is focused on fostering and developing homegrown talent within Queensland and across Australia. Drawing on his extensive global network, he is looking to introduce new programs to enhance Australian talent, both within Australia and beyond.
“I have many ideas about how to boost talent, not just Australian talent but talent that emerges from Australia,” Gil-Ortega explains. “I believe it’s important to create opportunities for these dancers to thrive locally but also to take that talent overseas.”
In addition to his vision for developing local dancers, Gil-Ortega emphasises that the Queensland Ballet Academy would be an essential part of this process. “Any academy is the base of any company. We want to provide the right training, mentorship and opportunities for dancers so that they can go elsewhere if necessary,” he explains. This approach ensures that no dancer is limited, but rather empowered to pursue their best opportunities, whether at Queensland Ballet or elsewhere.
Gil-Ortega’s experience working with companies and peers worldwide has provided him with an expansive network of connections. He plans to leverage these relationships to create collaborations that benefit Queensland Ballet and its dancers. He believes co-productions and international exchanges can create valuable growth opportunities, allowing Queensland Ballet to share talent and resources with other companies while also learning from global best practices.
“We live in a time where the cost of living and other factors can make it difficult for companies to collaborate. But strong connections are essential for creating meaningful partnerships,” Gil-Ortega says. “I see this as a circle of talent — if we can help each other, then it benefits everyone.”
Looking ahead, Gil-Ortega expresses excitement about Queensland Ballet’s role in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. Reflecting on his experience with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where the event helped transform the city’s cultural landscape, Gil-Ortega believes that the 2032 Games will offer Queensland Ballet a unique opportunity to showcase the intersection of sports and culture.
“I would love for Queensland Ballet to be part of the opening ceremony,” he says. “The Olympics can transform a city, and I think Brisbane is heading in that direction. We’re part of the cultural fabric of this city, and it’s important that we be out there showcasing what we do.”
With significant government investments expected in Queensland for the Olympics, Gil-Ortega is optimistic about the future of the arts in the region, although he acknowledges the ongoing challenges that the arts community faces. “The arts always struggle, but they will not die. They are what make us who we are,” he asserts.
Gil-Ortega emphasises the importance of authenticity and understanding the individual journeys of dancers. “For me, it’s about helping the next generation, whether it’s with me or somewhere else,” he explains. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I understand. The most important thing is that they can pursue their dreams, and I will support them in whatever path they choose.”
His commitment to helping dancers achieve their full potential underscores his belief in fostering an environment where creativity and individuality are celebrated.
As Gil-Ortega continues settling into his new role as artistic director, he is already thinking about how to make his vision a reality. “I’m still in the process of understanding everything — how things work, how the company functions — but my goal is to make the most of it and bring my vision to life,” he concludes.
With just a few weeks under his belt, it’s clear that Gil-Ortega is poised to lead Queensland Ballet into an exciting new era, one where local talent can shine, international collaborations will flourish, and the company will continue to contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Brisbane.
By Renata Ogayar of Dance Informa.
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