Leanne Benjamin leaves the Qld Ballet

The Queensland Ballet's recently appointed Artistic Director, Leanne Benjamin, has departed the company.

The company announced her departure on its website.

Benjamin was appointed only just this year, stepping into the shoes of departing Artistic Director, Li Cunxin. In her statement on the website she says:

“It is with great sadness that we have shared the news this week with the Queensland Ballet team.

“Ultimately, as we have worked together to design a vibrant season for 2025, it has become very clear that my artistic aspirations for our company, including the opportunity to engage diverse choreographic voices, both international and Australian, and venture outside of the traditional theatre environment with immersive opportunities, is not immediately possible within the funding constraints faced by the company," she continues.

“Queensland and Queensland Ballet will always have a very special place in my heart, and I look forward to our continued relationship. I have had a wonderful time getting to know the amazing dancers, staff, stakeholders, audiences, and supporters of Queensland Ballet over the past six months, and I feel privileged to have led this wonderful company. I wish the Queensland Ballet family and all our arts colleagues in Queensland the very best as they continue to channel excellence despite the odds. I will miss them but will see them soon,” she concludes.

The announcement comes not long before the company launches its 2025 season in late October.

Assistant Artistic Director Greg Horsman will step into the role of Acting Artistic Director. 

Queensland Ballet's Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe, says in her statement that "Leanne has not been able to infuse our 2025 offerings with her own artistic aspirations as much as she was hoping".

She adds that the company has no option but to work within its financial constraints.

Benjamin will depart the company on August 2. 

See Denise Richardson's interview with Leanne Benjamin when she first took up the post here.