Queensland Ballet Season 2013

Upon announcing Season 2013 Li Cunxin said, “I am very excited to share these beautiful ballets with Queensland in 2013. I have chosen works that will not only inspire a love of ballet in everyone who experiences them, but will showcase our exceptionally talented ensemble of dancers.”

2013, Li Cunxin’s debut season, will bring together talented international choreographers and designers to present world-class ballets to audiences throughout Queensland. “2013 is definitely the year to come and see your State ballet company,” said Mr Li.

Queensland Ballet’s mainstage season includes three timeless and cherished classics – Ben Stevenson’s worldacclaimed production of Cinderella in April; the beautiful ballet Giselle produced and staged by Ai-Gul Gaisina (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot) in June; and The Nutcracker in December, beginning an annual Company tradition of presenting this ballet every Christmas.

In August, the Company will host Elegance, a dynamic program of works from four exciting, internationally-renowned choreographers – Ershter Vals, choreographed Chinese-born dancer and choreographer Ma Cong; Three Preludes choreographed by Ben Stevenson; Verdi Variations choreographed by Australian dancer and choreographer Greg Horsman; and a world première from Brisbane-based dancer and choreographer Gareth Belling, danced to the inspiring music of Vivaldi.

“My vision for the Company is to be one of the most dynamic and vibrant ballet companies in the world, and to cement the Company as the jewel in the crown of Queensland’s thriving performing arts community,” comments Mr Li.

Queensland Ballet’s move to a curatorial artistic director means audiences will be spoilt with a diverse showcase of choreographic talents, many whose work has never been seen before in Queensland.

“There is so much I wish to achieve for our artists and audiences alike, both on and off stage. The Company has bold

ambitions for the future, and I hope everyone comes with us on this journey as we build upon our rich 53-year history.”

Queensland Ballet’s tradition of supporting independent and emerging choreographers will continue in 2013 with

Dance Dialogues in February and August at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Audiences will enjoy a diverse program of

classical and contemporary ballet pieces and get closer to the Company’s dancers and Artistic Director in an intimate studio setting.

The Company has also announced some new additions to the artistic team for 2013: Andrew Mogrelia as Music

Director and Principal Conductor, Greg Horsman as Ballet Master, and Christian Tátchev as Director of Training.

New season ticket holder packages offering great value and unrivaled access to the Company went on sale today, including a special package for under-30s, making ballet the hot ticket for younger Queensland audiences in 2013.

“Whether you’ve been to the ballet before or not, I want everyone to experience the magic and beauty of ballet and to see our talented dancers,” said Mr Li

As part of Queensland Ballet’s ongoing commitment to sharing its love of dance across the State, in 2013 the

Company will also tour Giselle to six regional Queensland venues – Toowoomba, Caloundra, Maryborough,

Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay.

Off stage, Queensland Ballet will continue to share its love of dance with the broader community in 2013 through

engaging and inspiring education and outreach activities. This exquisite season is proudly sponsored by 2013 Principal Partner QGC Pty Ltd, and Season Partners Ernst and Young, Virgin Australia and Wagner Investments.

Li Cunxin, an internationally acclaimed ballet dancer and author of the best-selling, award-winning autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer, was announced as Queensland Ballet’s fifth Artistic Director earlier this year. His debut season marks an exciting new direction for the Company, its audiences and Queensland.

Cinderella

With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Mogrelia

Choreography – Ben Stevenson OBE

5-20 April 2013

QPAC Playhouse (14 performances)

Giselle

Produced and staged by – Ai-Gul Gaisina (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot)

21 June – 6 July 2013

QPAC Playhouse (9 performances)

Elegance – Ershter Vals, Three Preludes, Verdi Variations, new work

Choreography – Ma Cong, Ben Stevenson OBE, Greg Horsman, Gareth Belling

2 - 4 August 2013

QPAC Playhouse (4 performances)

The Nutcracker

With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Mogrelia

Choreography – announced early 2013

6 - 21 December 2013

QPAC Playhouse (14 performances)

Dance Dialogues – Summer

7 - 16 February 2013

Thomas Dixon Centre (10 performances)

Dance Dialogues – Spring

29 August – 7 September 2013

Thomas Dixon Centre (10 performances)

For more details and tickets: ballet2013.com.au