'Beyond the barre', a new book by Francois Klaus

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After a lifetime training under the likes of Rudolf Nureyev and directing ballet companies, renowned dancer and choreographer François Klaus is releasing a book on the ballet world. Beyond the Barre is a candid look at the lives of dancers, teachers and choreographers in the dance world today. 

Drawing on his experience as artistic director, Klaus knew there was an audience eager for an inside glimpse into the world of dance. "I began a program in Switzerland and then expanded it in Queensland Ballet to a behind-the-scenes series called Vis-à-Vis,” says Klaus “I was always amazed at how hungry audiences were to know more about the profession. For most of them, ballet was just a series of clichés - tutus, tights and pretty costumes. Even among professionals there are a lot of misconceptions about ballet, and this book is a way to answer that, in a very light hearted way, of course," he continues.  

Packed with personal anecdotes on everything from strange auditions to the mentorship of Rudolf Nureyev, Beyond the Barre looks at the art of dancers, teachers and choreographers and their place in the modern world. A lighthearted but thoughtful must-read for anyone invested in the quest for ballet to survive.  

The author, former artistic director of the Qld Ballet, Francois Klaus.
The author, former artistic director of the Qld Ballet, Francois Klaus.

Best known to Australian audiences as artistic director and chief choreographer of Queensland Ballet between 1998-2013, Klaus and his wife Robyn, also an ex-principal dancer, are now much sought-after to share their wealth of experience with the next generation of dancers. They are currently contracted as guest teachers in some of Europe's leading dance companies, including les Ballets de Monte Carlo,  l'Academie de la Princess Grace de Monte Carlo, Béjart Ballet Lausanne  Switzerland, Deutsche Oper Berlin, while in Asia the couple teach regularly for Singapore Dance Theatre, where François' most recent choreography, Midnight Waltzes, premiered in the Esplanade theatre in August, 2015.

Beyond the Barre, with original illustrations by Sydney artist Brenda Tye, will available as an ebook on amazon.com from July 15 with a hard copy to be released later this year. 

 

 

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