When Leanne Stojmenov steps into the role of Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet in January, it will be the realisation of a dream.
As a young, ambitious dancer, the idea of leading a company – this company – was always quietly there in the background. “Leading a company was something that I aspired to do from the very beginning,” she tells Dance Informa. “The desire took the sideline throughout my performing career but was always there.”
Born and raised in Perth, Stojmenov began her professional journey with WA Ballet as a young dancer before embarking on an international and national career that would see her grace the world’s most prestigious stages. Having resettled in WA a few years ago, she’s ready to shape the company’s future while honouring its past and the roots of classical ballet. “I left WA when I was 19, but it has always been home in my heart. To return after 18 years at The Australian Ballet, with my husband and son, feels incredibly special and fulfilling,” she says.
Logical steps
Stojmenov’s career reads like a ballet lover’s dream. An almost linear trajectory. At just 17, she joined a smaller version of WA Ballet, breaking in her pointe shoes with a company of just 19 dancers under the leadership of Ted Brandsen, the current Artistic Director of Dutch National Ballet, who is stepping down himself in 2026. Brandsen gave Stojmenov rare and relished opportunities to perform.
As she proudly admits, she was thrilled to be dancing with her home company at the start of her career and had two wonderful years immersed in opportunities. “We shared many beautiful works, and being part of such a small company gave me the chance to step into many leading roles,” Stojmenov reflects.
But her sights were firmly set on the bigger classical ballets, and her ambition and hard work rewarded her with an illustrious career at The Australian Ballet, where she would dance her way to a celebrated Principal, within 18 years under the direction of David McAllister AC.
Once again, under the leadership of McAllister as WA Ballet’s Rehearsal Director for the past year, she’s had an opportunity to see a different side to his leadership – McAllister is currently Guest Artistic Director of WA Ballet. When asked what she might take from his tenure into her own, she says, “I feel fortunate to have worked with David; his experience is unrivalled. We are all shaped and inspired by those who lead us over time. What I admire most is that his decisions are consistently guided by what he truly believes is in the best interests of the organisation and its people. David has an exceptional gift for making every individual feel valued within an organisation, and I believe that has been a key part of both bringing out the best in people and driving the success of the companies he leads.”
Now with an eye on the future, the past year as Rehearsal Director has given Stojmenov a behind-the-scenes education in what you might call the business of ballet. A chance to understand how all the moving parts – from administration to production – work together to support artistry. “My current daily engagement across all departments has provided me with a rare, hands-on understanding of how the company functions — not just in theory but in practice. I see the challenges we face, the potential we hold, and the extraordinary talent that we are privileged to nurture.”
A passion for education
As a former WAAPA lecturer and Vice President of Ballet Without Borders, Stojmenov is committed to widening access to ballet in a sport-dominated culture here in Australia. “I am deeply passionate about making ballet accessible. That passion comes from what ballet has given me, and the extraordinary path it has taken me on. Every day, I feel grateful for the richness of life this art form has brought into my world. If I can help transform the lives of others through ballet, as it has transformed mine, that would be a legacy I’d be truly proud to leave.”
She’s already hinting at planning initiatives to support young dancers transitioning into company life and, equally, programs to help seasoned dancers prepare for careers beyond the stage. “I want to make sure no one has blinkers on.” A life in ballet is extraordinary, she observes, but she also feels a leader’s responsibility to help prepare artists for what comes next.
The world is our oyster
Whilst too soon to talk too much about her artistic vision, Stojmenov was clear that it blends classical heritage with a commitment to West Australian stories. As we chat about her own experiences with some of the leading choreographers in ballet, I ask is there anyone you would love to introduce to WA audiences through WA Ballet?
“Yes, there are definitely choreographers I’d love to introduce to WA audiences – it’s very much a work in progress,” she notes. “I believe that to truly nurture what we have here in WA, it’s important to bring in visionary creators who can inspire us all. Not only will this enrich our audiences, but it will also give our own artists and creators the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired.”
Her commitment to people and place is clear, and Stojmenov comes across as a champion and fierce advocate for both artists and artistry. When asked for a moment to dream blue sky, as if money were no object, Stojmenov says international touring would be a dream. “The energy we have here is so unique and powerful, and I know it would translate beautifully to audiences around the world. WA has every reason to be proud of the ballet company we have right here in our own backyard.”
She also reminisces about the growth she personally experienced as an artist overseas. “I also want to foster our local voices and ensure we’re telling the stories that come from here. We’re a little isolated here in WA,” she admits with a smile, but is adamant that the world deserves to hear more West Australian stories, and Australian stories more broadly.
Possibilities and planning
With WA Ballet celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2027, Stojmenov steps into the role at a moment rich with legacy and possibility. “It is important for us to keep our identity as Australia’s oldest continuous ballet company. I plan to celebrate our classical heritage whilst bravely shaping a future that is distinctly ours — one that nurtures talent of both artists and creators alike”
From what I can gather, balancing classical works with distinctive storytelling will be at the forefront of the next few years for WA Ballet, and it seems certain to be led with an appearance of a calm, nurturing leadership style. But make no mistake, that ambition that has driven such a remarkable career remains. With a history of achieving lofty goals, who knows what might be possible under Stojmenov’s direction for WA Ballet?
From a teenage dream to the helm of Australia’s oldest ballet company, Stojmenov’s career has a romantic quality – a dancer returning to her first love – the company that gave her a start. Her next act promises to bring the precision and heritage of the classics, the passion and storytelling of new voices, and the heart of home to West Australian Ballet’s future.
By Nichola Hall of Dance Informa.
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