The Australian dance community is mourning the loss of Louise Deleur, a choreographer, educator and artist of remarkable vision and integrity whose influence has shaped generations of dancers both in Australia and abroad.
A graduate of The Australian Ballet School in 1985, Louise began her professional career with West Australian Ballet before joining Sydney Dance Company, where her artistry and versatility quickly came to the fore. She later undertook international sabbaticals in the United States and Europe, deepening her creative practice before returning to Australia as a guest artist with West Australian Ballet.
Her choreographic output was both prolific and wide-ranging. Louise created works for companies including Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Theatre Company and The Australian Opera, as well as for institutions such as the Taipei National University of the Arts, West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the New Zealand School of Dance. She was twice invited to present work at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, where her solos were performed alongside pieces by leading international choreographers including Wayne McGregor and Goyo Montero.
In 2009, Louise established Lucid Dance Theatre, creating new full-length works and curating platforms for independent artists. Her works were presented by major organisations and toured nationally to festivals including Noosa Long Weekend and Armidale Bach Festival. In 2018, she founded the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix, a highly regarded initiative aimed at providing pathways for emerging contemporary dancers into the professional arena.
As Head of Contemporary Dance and Resident Choreographer at Queensland Ballet Academy, Louise was a dedicated and generous mentor whose guidance helped shape countless young artists. Across every aspect of her practice, from her choreographic collaborations to her work in the studio, she demonstrated a commitment to excellence, creativity and care.
Tributes have poured in on social media from across Australia and beyond, reflecting the depth of feeling within the dance community. Michael Montgomery, who trained alongside her at The Australian Ballet School, described her as “a true force in the dance world, as a choreographer, teacher, and advocate… I salute your passion, discipline, and generosity of spirit.” Ausdance Queensland acknowledged her “passion, tenacity, and dedication to the artform,” while the New Zealand School of Dance recognised her as “a committed and dedicated teacher, choreographer and director.”
Messages from former students, collaborators and fellow educators speak not only of her extraordinary talent but of her warmth, humility and fierce belief in the potential of others. Many have shared their shock at her passing, describing her as “a light in the studio,” “a mentor who gave so much,” and “an inspiration whose impact will never be forgotten.” That such a vibrant and generous figure has been lost so suddenly is being deeply felt across every level of the profession, from established artists and peers to the emerging dancers she championed.
Louise’s legacy lives on in the works she created, the artists she nurtured, and the standards she helped shape. Her influence will continue to resonate in studios, rehearsal rooms and on stages for many years to come.
Dance Australia extends its deepest sympathies to her son, her family, colleagues and friends. Louise Deleur’s contribution to Australian dance was profound. She will be remembered with enduring admiration, heartfelt gratitude and great respect.