The Australian Ballet has announced that former principal dancer Steven Heathcote will perform as a guest artist for The Dancers Company's 2012 regional tour. The popular dancer will play the title role in Don Quixote.
He will join the troupe of 31 dancers travelling 8000 kilometres around regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland throughout July and August.
Audiences in Ballarat, Frankston, Wangaratta, Echuca, Parramatta and Taree will be wowed by the gravity-defying leaps and speed-of-light pirouettes from Chengwu Guo, the 2011 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner who played the young Li Cunxin in the film, Mao’s Last Dancer.
Chengwu will dance the lead role of Basilio and will be partnered by 2012 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee, Ako Kondo, in the other lead role of Kitri.
Audiences in Dubbo, Tamworth, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba will enjoy principal artist Yosvani Ramos as Basilio alongside 2008 Telstra BalletDancer Award nominee, Reiko Hombo.
In 2012 Telstra reaches its 10th anniversary as principal sponsor of The Dancers Company, a notable milestone in a year when the Australian Ballet celebrates its 50th birthday.
“Regional audiences really are getting to see the best of the Australian Ballet and for the dancers of the Australian Ballet School, it gives them a fantastic experience of life on the road as a professional dancer,” said Danilo Radojevic.
In addition to performances, the company will also hold a series of open classes at selected venues.
For further information on The Dancers Company performances and education events visit:
australianballet.com.au/dancerscompany
australianballet.com.au/education