August shows for national production

THE Australian Ballet will travel to Bendigo for their upcoming regional tour, performing three shows at Ulumbarra Theatre on 5 and 6 August.

Executive director Libby Christie said a return to the regions was always exciting for everyone involved at the company.

“The Australian Ballet’s regional tour is a highlight of our annual calendar and will be particularly triumphant in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 disruptions,” she said.

“As Australia’s national ballet company, we are committed to performing for all Australians and we look forward to our annual regional tour when we perform outside metro cities and connect with regional communities across Australia.

“The 2022 regional tour will be the company’s 40th tour. It is always a thrill to meet up with local communities and to share our artistry through our visits and our performances in regional Australia.”

A new work choreographed by The Australian Ballet’s former artistic director David McAllister is the concert’s main showstopper, called Swan Lake Variations inspired by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Education and community programs will also make an appearance, with a youth masterclass and free rehearsal sit-in scheduled.

Artistic director David Hallberg said the regional tour was a vital link to audiences across the country, with performances also booked for Tasmania, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

“Many of our dancers’ careers were cultivated in remote and regional dance schools across the nation and we hope our regional performances will inspire kids in Australia to explore dance with The Australian Ballet,” he said.

“For budding dancers or those new to ballet, the opportunity to witness their national ballet company in, or close to, their hometown, is a great way to demonstrate how rich the arts are here in Australia and just what they can achieve or who they can aspire to be.”