Qld Ballet returns to redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre for Bespoke

Queensland Ballet is set to return to its refurbished headquarters, the culmination of a decade of fundraising. GALLERY | VIDEO

Queensland Ballet will return home to the redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre on Wednesday night for the opening performance of Bespoke.

Artistic director Li Cunxin said the redevelopment of the building was a “truly transformational moment” for the arts in Brisbane.

“More than an incredible home for Queensland Ballet, the new Thomas Dixon Centre – as a centre for culture and community – will impact the Brisbane artistic landscape for years to come,” Li said.

Gallery: Inside Queensland Ballet’s new HQ

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The centre features six dance studios, a 350-seat theatre, production and costume workshops, stunning public art, rooftop terrace and cafe.

Home to Queensland Ballet for the past 30 years, the centre has been redeveloped at a cost of $100 million after a decade of fundraising by the organisation, as well as support from state and federal governments.

“As a heritage building on an inner-city site, it wasn’t the easiest option to rejuvenate and restore the Thomas Dixon Centre, but Queensland Ballet wanted to remain in West End as we felt a sense of neighbourhood pride,” Li said.

Jocelyn Dixon, great-granddaughter of Thomas Dixon – the entrepreneur who built the centre originally as a boot factory – said it was “marvellous” that the building was still standing and “houses such a prestigious company for the arts in Queensland”.

Queensland Ballet principal artists Neneka Yoshida and Victor Esteves will perform in Bespoke, the opening performance at the newly redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre at West End. Picture: Lachie Millard

“Thomas Dixon would be absolutely overjoyed and very proud to see that the centre is being used as Queensland Ballet’s home,” Ms Dixon said.

Li said the centre was looking forward to opening its doors and “sharing our home with the wider community”.

Principal artist Victor Estevez said it was a very special moment in ballet members’ careers.

“Everyone is looking forward to opening night – not just because it’s another season – it’s the reopening of TDC,” she said.