WAB's 2025 Season Announced
West Australian Ballet recently announced its 2025 season, confirming that David McAllister is continuing as Guest Artistic Director for 2025. While this is McAllister’s second year as WAB’s Director, it is only his first year of programming for the company as WAB’s 2024 season was already programmed prior to his arrival.
WAB’s 2025 season features four world premieres alongside beloved classics, as McAllister’s programming celebrates the creatives who have shaped the artform and the talent of the company dancers.
Of particular interest will be the world premiere of Butterfly Effect, as choreographer Alice Topp returns to Perth in September with her modern reimagining of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT. Dancers Juan Carlos Osma and Alexa Tuzil Photographed by Stef King and VML.
“I am so delighted to be given this opportunity to continue my time with West Australian Ballet. It is a privilege to work with this talented and much-loved organisation and aid the company on the transition to a new Artistic leader,” McAllister says.
“Season 2025 embodies the spirit of Western Australia, showcasing its wild beauty and unique stories. I’m thrilled to bring this extraordinary program to our audiences as we move toward our 75th anniversary in 2027.”
THE WILD BETWEEN STARS BALLET AT THE QUARRY. Dancers Dayana Hardy Acuña and Julio Blanes. Photographed by Stef King and VML.
Season 2025 kicks off with The Wild Between Stars: Ballet at the Quarry. Featuring three world premieres from three Australian choreographers including the title work by Loughlan Prior, whose previous works include the acclaimed Hansel & Gretel and Spartacus. Also on the program is a new creation from Lucas Jervies, Concerto Anniversary, a homage to the music of Tchaikovsky and the world premiere of Ripples, from Yawuru woman Tara Gower, inspired by the natural beauty of the Quarry itself.
Genesis provides a platform where West Australian Ballet dancers’ step into the role of choreographer, creating their own works and bringing new ideas to life. This program has been a launching pad for several dancers, whose works have gone on to be performed on the mainstage.
Story ballet favourite Don Quixote, returns in May. Choreographed by renowned Australian Prima Ballerina, Dame Lucette Aldous AC (after Marius Petipa’s original), this work was originally staged for West Australian Ballet in 2010. The late Lucette Aldous was, of course, renowned for her own portrayal of Kitri with the Australian Ballet some decades ago.
DON QUIXOTE. Dancer Chihiro Nomura. Photographed by Stef King and VML.
In the July school holidays West Australian Ballet brings Septime Webre’s award-winning ALICE (in wonderland) to Crown Theatre. September brings the world premiere of Butterfly Effect, as choreographer Alice Topp returns to Perth with her modern reimagining of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. And closing the year is Cinderella. Since its premiere, this production has captivated audiences here in Perth and most recently garnered international acclaim with its premiere in Montreal last year.
SEASON 2025 AT A GLANCE:
The Wild Between Stars: Ballet at the Quarry
7 Feb – 1 March
Live at Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach
Genesis
27 Mar – 5 Apr
Live at the West Australian Ballet Centre
Don Quixote
16 May – 31 May
Live at His Majesty’s Theatre with West Australian Symphony Orchestra
ALICE (in wonderland)
5 July – 12 July
Live at Crown Theatre
Butterfly Effect
5 Sept – 20 Sept
Live at His Majesty’s Theatre with
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Cinderella
21 Nov – 14 Dec
Live at His Majesty’s Theatre with
West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra