Director of the Australian Ballet School (ABS), Marilyn Rowe, will retire at the end of 2014. “For 14 years Marilyn has implemented a vision that has been instrumental in developing a unique dance training institution, one that produces dancers with a distinctive Australian style through a holistic educational programme which balances technique, artistry, academic education and student care,” says the ABS’s chairman, Cmr Leigh Johns. “The timing of Marilyn’s retirement, coming as it does at the end of the school’s 50th anniversary, will allow for the celebration of Marilyn’s significant achievements in conjunction with the smooth transition to a new director who will lead the school into its next 50 years.”
And so the ABS is seeking a new director. “In addition to training dancers, the school trains teachers, develops the artistic leaders of the future and advances the art of ballet. The ballet and dance world owes much to Marilyn’s vision. Our next director must continue that exceptional leadership across the art form,” continues Johns.The director will report to the ABS’s board and work closely with its General Manager, Sandra Ball. Last month the ABS board established a selection panel comprising four board members, the general manager, David McAlister AM (artistic director of The Australian Ballet) and Mavis Stains (artistic director and CEO of Canada’s National Ballet School).
The selection panel will consider applicants and will be looking for, among other attributes, strong artistic leadership and vision, qualifications in dance or classical ballet, extensive knowledge of elite dance instruction, understanding of ballet and the needs of the Australian Ballet, a good international network, and, most importantly, an ability to ensure the welfare of the school’s students. The position will be promoted nationally and internationally.
Applications for the position are open now and will close on 1 November 2013. It is intended that the new appointment will be made public in March 2014. A handover period will commence on 1 July 2014.
To obtain a Candidate Information Pack, email directorposition@australianballetschool.com.au
Questions and enquiries regarding applications should be emailed to directorposition@australianballetschool.com.au