The Australian Ballet explores 'identity'

For long-time audiences of the Australian Ballet, the stage is about to fill with many familiar and fondly-remembered faces. 

The company's forthcoming season, "Identity", features two works by Australian choreographers. One of them, Paragon, by resident choreographer Alice Topp, brings together the company's past and present dancers.

Paragon is described as "an alchemic collaboration between vibrant voices spanning the generations and the dialogue that’s created between this magical mix of artists".

"Capturing the essence of what it means to be a part of the Australian Ballet family, its history and the greater dance community, Paragon celebrates the conversation between the kinetic wisdom, experience and artistry of ballet royalty as it meets the powerful, fresh faces of today and the future. Paragon presents as a modern work that celebrates where we came from, where we are today, and the great potential of the future."

Topp has enticed David McAllister, Madeleine Eastoe, Leanne Stojmenov, Lucinda Dunn, Steven Heathcote, Fiona Tonkin, Sarah Lehmann (Peace), Paul Knobloch, Jessica Thompson, Simon Dow, Julie da Costa and Rachel Rawlins back to the stage. 

They will sharing the stage with current Australian Ballet dancers, including Amber Scott, Adam Bull, Ako Kondo and many more. (The program will also be Bull's last outing with the company before he retires.)

Paragon will share the bill with THE HUM, choreographed by Wiradjuri man Daniel Riley, the artistic director of Australian Dance Theatre. Dancers from both companies will perform the work. For the first time, the Australian Ballet has commissioned an orchestral score by a First Nations woman, the celebrated Yorta Yorta composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, who has worked with Riley on THE HUM.

"Identity sees the Australian Ballet look to the future of Australian dance, delving deep into the formation of artists and art and drawing together dancers, musicians and designers from this country’s rich creative landscape," says Artistic Director David Hallberg. "Daniel Riley and Alice Topp are two of Australia’s leading choreographic voices. They both explore what identity means to them, whether it be the identity of Australia, the identity of community, or the identity of art. In honour of our 60th anniversary, we look at the sense of identity in today’s artists.” 

 

We have FIVE double passes to give away to the Melbourne season of this double bill program! Just go here to go in the draw!