West Australlian Ballet (WAB) has announced that it has appointed Czech dancer Jiri Jelinek as a Leading Artist. Jelinek comes to WAB from the National Ballet of Canada, where he was a principal dancer. He has also danced a principal with Stuttgart Ballet. Artistic director of WAB, Aurelien Scannella is thrilled with the appointment. “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Jiri to West Australian Ballet as a Leading Artist,” he remarks. “His appointment will without doubt enrich the ranks of the company. His great international experience and generosity on stage will bring true joy to our public and I encourage you all to come to our next season of Onegin to discover our new talent!”
WAB has also appointed four new dancers, Yusuke Hikichi (Japan), Alexandre Dahms (France), Stephanie Sahlgren (Denmark) and Alessio Scognamiglio (Italy). All will make their debut with the company in Onegin, which opens at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, on September 20.