Jamiel Devernay-Laurence is a UK-based, former Scottish Ballet dancer turned entrepreneur who believes that a new audience for ballet can be found by presenting smaller programs in smaller venues with audiences close up and personal: a kind of dance club that would be less intimidating than the big theatre ballet. In a short time the idea became "Ballet Nights", a program of dance highlights by a small group of outstanding dancers and musicians. The concept was greeted with delight by audiences and critics alike. Now it is about to make its debut in Brisbane in a one night only performance.
The Brisbane show boasts a line-up of notable UK artists: tap and rhythm sensation Guy Salim (Stomp Worldwide, The Choir of Man, Cats), alongside new discovery and Ballet Nights star Felicity Chadwick, English National Ballet principles Shiori Kase and Gareth Haw and UK contemporary dancer and choreographer Jordan James Bridge. They will perform in a program of ballet highlights and musical excerpts by pianist Viktor Erik Emanuel. Victor Zarallo, former dancer with Sydney Dance Company and the Scottish Ballet, and Queensland Academy students are also on the program.
The performance will take place in the Talbot Theatre, West End, on September 21.
A number of masterclasses are also planned for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.