Queensland Ballet invites superstar for next big performance

One of the world’s top ballerinas is preparing to star in Queensland Ballet’s much anticipated next big show. And it marks a huge milestone for the company.

The pandemic killed off Queensland Ballet’s habit of inviting international superstars to Brisbane but the company has just confirmed that Romanian prima ballerina Alina Cojocaru is returning to Brisbane to star in Manon.

Cojocaru is former Principal of The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and currently guest artist of Hamburg Ballet and is widely considered one of the world’s best ballerinas.

She last performed in Brisbane in the company’s production of The Sleeping Beauty in 2015.

Alina Cojocaru dancing in Brisbane in The Sleeping Beauty in 2015.

Now she will star in Manon, which runs from September 28 until October 8 at the Lyric Theatre at QPAC. She will perform the lead role on October 5 and 7.

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin AO said the company was excited to collaborate with Ms Cojocaru once again.

“We are thrilled to announce that Alina Cojocaru, one of the world’s greatest ballerinas, is to return to Queensland Ballet in two select performances of our upcoming season of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon,” Mr Li said.

“It is truly special to work with Alina, not only for our Australian audiences but also to inspire our dancers as they closely rehearse and perform with her.”

Ms Cojocaru said she was delighted to be returning to the Queensland Ballet stage.

Romanian ballerina Alina Cojocaru in Brisbane in 2015. Picture: Jack Tran

“I have always enjoyed dancing and performing with Queensland Ballet, so I am overjoyed to be returning for another season with the company. I hope the Australian audiences enjoy Manon, as it is truly one of my favourite ballets to perform,” she said.

Alina Cojocaru will be the first international ballerina to guest star with Queensland Ballet since the start of the pandemic.

Queensland Ballet artistic director Li Cunxin is thrilled that Alina Cojocaru is coming back to Brisbane. Picture: David Kelly

Manon will be a major event considering the ballet’s last major main stage production of Giselle was cancelled earlier this year due to the floods. Li Cunxin said Queensland Ballet was committed to collaborating with global guest stars to provide Australian audiences with world-class performances.

“So we are delighted that we get to continue this now that the borders have reopened,” he said.

Manonruns from 28 September – 8 October 2022 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Tickets start at $60.

queenslandballet.com.au