Australian Ballet

Australian Ballet
Name	Australian Ballet
Founded	0 1962
Founder	Peggy van Praagh
Venue	Arts Centre Melbourne
Artistic dir	David Hallberg
Website	australianballet.com.au

Contents

History
Artistic direction
Repertoire and notable productions
Dancers and training
Tours and international recognition
See also

Australian Ballet is the foremost national classical ballet company of Australia. Founded in 1962 under the artistic direction of Peggy van Praagh, it was established with the ambition of creating a world-class ensemble that could present both traditional classics and new works. The company is based at the Arts Centre Melbourne and performs seasons nationally and internationally, maintaining a large repertoire that spans from the great 19th-century classics to contemporary commissions.

History

The company was formally established in 1962 with the support of the Australian government and the Elizabethan Theatre Trust, appointing Peggy van Praagh, a former dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet, as its founding artistic director. Its inaugural performance was a production of Swan Lake at Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney. Early years saw the company quickly develop under van Praagh's leadership, with notable early successes including works by Robert Helpmann and visits from international choreographers like Rudolf Nureyev. A significant milestone was its first international tour in 1965, which included performances in New York City and London. The company navigated financial challenges in the 1970s but solidified its reputation under subsequent directors like Marilyn Jones and Maina Gielgud, the latter overseeing a period of significant artistic growth from 1983 to 1996.

Artistic direction

The artistic vision has been shaped by a succession of distinguished directors. Following Peggy van Praagh, Marilyn Jones led the company before the lengthy tenure of Maina Gielgud, who elevated its technical standards and international profile. Ross Stretton succeeded Gielgud, followed by David McAllister, whose 20-year leadership from 2001 was marked by ambitious programming and commissioning. In 2021, former American Ballet Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet principal David Hallberg became artistic director, bringing a global perspective. The company has also worked closely with renowned répétiteurs like Dame Monica Mason and choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon to stage productions.

Repertoire and notable productions

The repertoire is a balance of full-length classical story ballets and modern works. Cornerstone 19th-century classics include productions of The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and Don Quixote, often staged with the assistance of institutions like the Mariinsky Theatre. Significant 20th-century works include productions by George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, and John Cranko. The company has a strong commitment to new Australian work, commissioning pieces from choreographers such as Graeme Murphy, Stephen Baynes, and Stanton Welch. Notable original productions include Murphy's acclaimed *Swan Lake* (2002) and narrative works like *The Merry Widow*.

Dancers and training

The company comprises approximately 80 dancers, recruited through international auditions, with many rising through the affiliated Australian Ballet School. Notable alumni who gained international fame include Steven McRae of The Royal Ballet, Lucinda Dunn, and Kevin Jackson. The artistic staff includes ballet masters and mistresses who work to maintain technical excellence. The company's health and conditioning programs are supported by partnerships with organizations like the Australian Institute of Sport. Emerging talent is often showcased through the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards and performances by the touring ensemble, The Dancers Company.

Tours and international recognition

International touring has been a core activity since its first overseas tour in 1965. The company has performed to critical acclaim in major cultural capitals including London's Royal Opera House, New York City Center, and Tokyo's Bunkamura. Landmark tours include a 1970 tour of China and a 2012 50th-anniversary season at Lincoln Center. It regularly collaborates with leading companies like The Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The company has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Ballet on multiple occasions.