Marilyn Rowe can truly claim to know the Australian Ballet School (ABS) inside out. She was among the first students to be chosen for its inaugural class in 1964, when she was just a fledgling dancer of 16 years of age. Through most of her long and distinguished career she has maintained her contact with the School in some way, whether directly as a teacher or indirectly through its partner, the Australian Ballet. In 1999, with an impressive performance career behind her, she became its leader. Now the School is an internationally renowned institution that is celebrating its 50th anniversary. She has chosen this year to bow out gracefully - tying together a milestone in both the history of the School and her own personal and professional life.
This is an excerpt from the full feature story in the February/March issue of Dance Australia. OUT NOW or subscribe here. See more photos below.
Above: Lana Jones as an ABS student.
Above: Students at the ABS.
Above: ABS presenting Natalie Weir's Jabula.
Former students Brodie James and Hannah O'Neill.