Ballet showcase at Ulumbarra

IT’S echappé, ciseaux, and pirouette galore this weekend, as the Australian Ballet brings its regional tour to Ulumbarra Theatre.

The gala program features excerpts from Swan Lake Variations, Flames of Paris, La Bayadere and includes new works such as The Vow by Lucas Jervies.

Senior dancer Marcus Morelli said audiences have already taken to the show, which premiered in Tasmania last week.

“There’s a lot of different styles and moods set by each of the different pieces we’re doing,” he said. “Audiences get a tasting platter of all ballet on offer.

“It’s such a great opportunity to get to see different parts of Australia we wouldn’t get to, as well as bring ballet to audiences that don’t get much of a chance to see it unless they travel to a major city themselves.”s

The Australian Ballet is joined by graduating students from the Australian Ballet School, where Morelli honed his talent.

“It’s bringing back a lot of memories of when I was a student and had that opportunity to dance with some of the members of the Australian ballet and be inspired and soak up as much wisdom and experience as I could,” he said.

“You’re seeing the future of Australian ballet and ballet in general which I think is very exciting.”

Morelli said the variety of the program means there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

As well as the main show, there are also community education programs on offer, including a free immersive dance workshop on Friday at 4.30pm and a behind-the-scenes look at performance preparation on Saturday at 11.30am.

Performances are on Friday, 5 August at 7.30pm and Saturday, 6 August 1.30pm and 7.30pm. For tickets visit australianballet.com.au/performances/regional-tour.