September 18, State Theatre, Melbourne
Over the years the Australian Ballet School's annual graduation exhibition has evolved from a presentation of classical pas de deux to a school concert that showcases a wider variety of styles.
This years's Level 8 graduates tackled a huge and challenging program and came out triumphant. The16 students danced with the consistency and aplomb that would be impressive even in a professional company. They displayed more attack and confidence than I can remember seeing from this school in some years. In the past the young dancers have sometimes seemed tentative - this year's group showed a pride and confidence that projected well into the back of the theatre.
The first main work was Paquita (Petipa), performed with precision and cohesiveness that were hallmarks of the entire program. It also introduced us to Hannah O'Neill, who has achieved the almost-unachievable and been accepted into the Paris Opera Ballet. It is easy to see why - she combines a lightness and strength of technique with a maturity of expression well beyond her years. Her partner was Brodie James, a tall, slender dancer with long legs and beautiful feet. All four soloists were delightful, though Jill Ogai's exuberant solo had her at an advantage.
Other highlights included Nuance, an all-male contemporary work by Margaret Wilson with lovely sprung rhythms, and Ascension, featuring O'Neill supported by four men (Joseph Chapman, Heath Cundy, James Lyttle and Benjamin Stone) in a series of breathtaking swoops and dives. It was also good to see From Home Far From, a piece by former graduate Lucas Jervies who is now making a name for himself as a choreographer. Its inclusion not only celebrates the work of a former student, but also provides current students with the experience of working with an up-to-the-minute choreographer, now an essential part of company life.
The program finished with On the Threshold, choreographed by Leigh Rowles - the school's resident choreographer and head of student training (Levels 1-5). This was essentially a chance for the dancers to show off their tricks. And what a thrill it was to see the students outdoing each other with tours, triple pirouettes, fouette releves and firecracker jetes! Despite the difficulty of these steps, the students performed them without a hitch.
Altogether this was an well-judged program performed by an outstanding group of students. Bravo!
– KAREN VAN ULZEN