Regional tour goes en pointe

GEELONG will host a major moment on the national arts calendar this month when The Australian Ballet arrives with four performances, a behind-the-scenes open class and a masterclass for young local dancers.

The performances are part of the company’s On Tour program, which brings the elegance, power and discipline of professional ballet to regional audiences. From June 19 to 21, dancers will take to the stage at the Geelong Arts Centre in a program featuring timeless classics, new works and a world premiere by one of Australia’s most innovative choreographers.

Artistic director David Hallberg said the 2025 regional season would bring audiences “on a journey that spans time, styles and emotions.”

“This season we celebrate storytelling, movement and connection — from the elegance of George Balanchine’s classical masterpieces, to the imaginative and thought-provoking choreography of Australia’s own Lucy Guerin,” Hallberg said.

 

“We’re thrilled to share the stage with communities outside of the metro cities, and give them a glimpse into the world of ballet.”

The Geelong program includes The Nutcracker Act II, adapted by Paul Knobloch, which whisks audiences to the magical Land of Sweets. It also features Balanchine’s pas de deux from Diamonds, the exuberant Allegro Brillante set to Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Ground Control — a new commission from Melbourne choreographer Lucy Guerin, created especially for the tour.

Alongside the main performances, the company will host Class on Tour, an open rehearsal offering a rare look at the dancers’ daily training. Audience members will hear live commentary from the company’s artistic staff, explaining the technique and discipline behind each movement. The class will be held on Saturday 21 June at midday.

For younger dancers in the region, The Australian Ballet is also bringing its Telstra Let’s Dance program to Geelong, designed to inspire the next generation of ballet talent and break down barriers to access.

 

Geelong is one of seven regional cities chosen across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to host a Telstra Let’s Dance event. Local students will take part in a special masterclass led by staff from The Australian Ballet and The Australian Ballet School, with a focus on building confidence and connection through movement.

Hallberg said the outreach initiative was an extension of the company’s long partnership with Telstra, which has supported The Australian Ballet since 1980.

“Telstra’s support over more than 40 years has been integral to our ability to bring ballet to all corners of Australia,” he said.

Telstra’s group executive for people and sustainability, Alita McMenamin, said the company was proud to play a part in opening the world of ballet to young people who might not otherwise have access.

 

“Our hope is that Telstra Let’s Dance plants the seeds for a lifelong love of dance, and helps young people find confidence and joy in the arts,” McMenamin said.

“Who knows — this program might even spark the journey of a future star of The Australian Ballet.”

As part of the program, one student from each participating town will be selected to travel to Melbourne for a behind-the-scenes day at The Australian Ballet’s headquarters. They will experience a company class, tour the wardrobe and production departments, and attend a main stage performance.

Hallberg said both the tour and the outreach program reflected the company’s broader mission: to nurture excellence, build connection, and share ballet’s transformative power.

 

“The joy of dance is something that everyone should be able to experience,” he said. “We hope to inspire young dancers and delight audiences across the country.”

Performances will be held at The Playhouse, Geelong Arts Centre from June 19 to June 21.

Tickets are available now through The Australian Ballet website.