The Australian Ballet’s 2014 season is certainly eclectic, and that’s in response to feedback from audiences, says the company’s artistic director, David McAllister. “Audiences are telling us that they want more ballet and more choice of productions, so that’s what we’re giving them in 2014! We’ve added even more repertoire into our Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne seasons to sate the public’s appetite for ballet,” he says. “It’s also an opportunity to showcase the versatility and artistry of our dancers, who can’t wait to sink their teeth into this season – with roles like Manon, Clara and Solor in the mix! And personally I’m delighted with the diversity and artistic depth of the 2014 program.”
It’s Kenneth McMillan’s seminal work, Manon (1974), that will kick off 2014 for the Australian Ballet (AB), playing Brisbane (Feb/Mar), Melbourne (Mar) and Sydney (Apr).
A double bill entitled “Imperial Suite” will also play Brisbane (Feb), Melbourme (Jun) and Sydney (May), combining George Balanchine’s Ballet Imperial (1941) with Serge Lifar’s Suite en blanc (1943).
Next on the agenda is Wayne McGregor’s Chroma (2006), which will be complemented by Petitie Mort (1991) and Sechs Tanz (1986) both by Jiri Kylian. This mixed bill will also include a new, as yet untitled work by the company’s resident choreographer, Stephen Baynes. Chroma will be presented in Sydney (April/May) and Melbourne (June).
Stanton Welch’s 2010 interpretation of the 19th century classic, La Bayadere is described as fusing ballet with Bollywood. La Bayadere plays Melbourne (Aug/Sept) and Sydney (November).
Peter Wright’s 1990 version of family favourite The Nutcracker will be performed in Melbourne (Sept) and Sydney (Nov/Dec), while Adelaide audiences will be treated to Alexei Ratmansky’s new version of Cinderella in July.
“Bodytorque”, the AB’s program for emerging choreographers, celebrates its 10th season in 2014. The program includes Richard Cilli’s Corpus Collosium which won the company’s 50th anniversary ballet compettion. “Bodytorque” will play Melbourne in June.
The Dancers Company, the AB’s regional touring arm will tour Victoria, Tasmania and WA during July and August, presenting Act III from Swan Lake, Paquita and a new work by Simon Dow entitled Rimbombo. The company comprises four guest artists from the AB and 25 graduating students from The Australian Ballet School.
The Telstra Ballet in the Bowl free outdoor event will take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on 7 March.
For more information about these performances, including subscription packages and bookings got to www.australianballet.com.au
See the AB's YouTube video of the 2014 program on our homepage.
Robyn Hendricks and Ty King-Wall in La Bayadere.