Byron Ballet returns with a new take on Sleeping Beauty

BYRON Ballet Company returns with its annual season in a reimagining of the classic tale, Sleeping Beauty.

In the traditional story, Princess Aurora is doomed to die after the powerful Maleficent casts a vengeful spell while the Wisdom Fairy comes to the rescue and softens the curse to a 100-year sleep.

Speaking from the company’s Myocum rehearsal studio, artistic director and choreographer Yvonne Hall said the Byron original version brings new life to the timeless ballet by exploring the evil fairy’s motives.

“I was inspired by the film Maleficent, which I found really moving, and I was excited to find the most exquisite music by Ravel and Dvorak, which worked well alongside Tchaikovsky’s original score,” Hall said.

“Of course, Maleficent still bursts into the christening with her revenge, as in the traditional story,” she said.

“But in this, she even looks different – she is more beautiful, and she eventually softens, becoming a more accepting and forgiving character.”

The company works with contracted soloists from around the country, and four visiting principal male dancers will perform in Sleeping Beauty’s 35-strong cast.

A few local rising stars are in the production.

“Amani Wiriyanjara is in year 12, and watching her progress has been amazing,” Hall said.

“They go from being little angels on to the corps de ballet and then dancing with three people, then two, then a soloist, and then finally doing principal roles. It’s been very rewarding.

“Mia Leishman is also an exciting young dancer. She completed years 11 and 12 while studying dance full-time.

“She is studying overseas now but is back having a break and visiting her family, so we’re lucky that she happened to be here.

“They’re very well-adjusted girls. They’re in a good place and extremely talented.”

In an industry rife with extreme pressure, stress and competition at a young age, the company culture and idyllic rehearsal space are a haven for the dancers.

“It’s a beautiful venue because it’s so peaceful and quiet, and I feel that the girls can de-stress when they come here,” Hall said.

“During rehearsals, like this week’s intensive, they can unwind, have a peaceful lunch on the balcony surrounded by green and get some sunshine.

“We also don’t do competitions – we’re not anti-competitions, but sometimes it’s strange, as when you’re actually part of a show it’s different, and you’re not competing against each other.

“We try to weave the group together because it’s not about one person.

“We’re all playing our part of the story,” Hall said.

Sleeping Beauty runs at the Byron Theatre from May 7 to 9.

For tickets, visit byroncentre.com.au/theatre-events/byron-ballet-presents-sleeping-beauty