Dancers Tzu-Chao Chu and Lana Jones in Dyad
Presenting approximately 200 performances each year throughout Australia, this full-time ensemble company comes to New York in June with three varied programs on the roster:
Dyad, a ballet choreographed by Wayne McGregor to Steve Reich’s Double Sextet is a tribute to the Ballet Russes. In black and white, this piece has been hailed as both complex and fascinating by the Australian press.
Warumuk – In the Dark Night, a ballet conceived by choreographer Stephen Page who collaborated with the Bangarra Dance Theatre, the country’s foremost indigenous dance company to create a work based on the mystery of the night’s sky.
Luminous, a panorama of divertissements set to a multi-media backdrop that promises to be a fascinating display of the company’s best.
The Australian Ballet was founded in 1962 by Artistic Director Peggy van Praagh and included ballet master Ray Powell from The Royal Ballet and master teacher Leon Kellaway, who came to Australia with the Pavlova Company. Van Praagh stayed with the company for 12 years along with Robert Helpmann as her Associate Director. Now, after many notable artistic directors who followed her, the company is helmed by David McAllister, who took the position in 2001.
Many guest stars have danced with the Australian Ballet. The list includes some of the greats of the past: Erik Bruhn, Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Sonia Arova, and many more. Nureyev enjoyed touring with the company and did so regularly. In 1972 he both directed and performed in his renowned Don Quixote to dazzling reviews.
Culturally diverse, the Australian Ballet presents both contemporary and classical work and as of this year is celebrating 50 years of existence. For balletomanes or anyone interested in dance, June’s performances are not to be missed.
June 12 – 13 David H. Koch Theater
Lincoln Center
Broadway and 63rd St
212-496-0600
