The Australian Ballet takes centre stage for 60th anniversary celebrations

By Djembe Archibald

Jul 14, 2023

Triple threat: *The Vow* will be performed during The Australian Ballet’s regional tour Photo by Daniel Boud

The Australian Ballet, in collaboration with The Australian Ballet School, will take its 60th anniversary celebrations on tour this July and August, with a diverse program that will showcase a new work alongside some of the art form’s greatest and most-loved repertoire.

Audiences across Victoria will be delighted to see excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty Act III, The Vow by Lucas Jervies and a new work by Stephanie Lake, commissioned by The Australian Ballet for this tour.

The Australian Ballet On Tour will provide an opportunity for audiences outside the capital cities to enjoy the magic of dance in their home towns, and is expected to reach up to 15,000 people living in regional Australia.

A fairy-tale come to life, The Sleeping Beauty Act III revisits Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score and features breathtaking costumes by Hugh Coleman.

The Vow is a new Australian production commissioned for On Tour, exploring the complications of love and partnership.

Ms Lake, recipient of two Australian Dance Awards for Most Outstanding Choreography, will premiere an exclusive new work.

“For 60 years The Australian Ballet has toured the country bringing exquisite productions to communities that might otherwise never get the opportunity to attend live ballet performances.” The Australian Ballet executive director Lissa Twomey said.

“Since 1980 when the tour became a regular part of the company’s yearly programming, The Australian Ballet has delivered over 800 performances in 71 locations, travelling approximately 10,000km each year.”

“Taking The Australian Ballet on tour is a vital link to audiences around the country,” The Australian Ballet artistic director David Hallberg said.

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