Why Queensland Ballet artistic director Leanne Benjamin left

Leanne Benjamin arrived in February from the UK with an impeccable ballet pedigree but in less than six months she was packing her bags. READ THE INSIDE STORY

Leanne Benjamin started as the Qld Ballet artistic director in February. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Queensland Ballet’s former artistic director Leanne Benjamin didn’t pass her six-month probation and was spectacularly cut by the board in a decision that has rocked the arts world.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Ms Benjamin, who arrived in February from the UK with an impeccable ballet pedigree, clashed with the board over her vision for the company – which is battling financial pressures and million-dollar losses.

Ms Benjamin was considered to be “out of step” with the company that was nurtured and developed for 11 years under Li Cunxin, famously known as Mao’s Last Dancer.

In one of the shortest stints for any leader in the arts scene, Ms Benjamin was reportedly shocked when told she would not be continuing past her probation period.

The Courier-Mail can also reveal, despite speculation, Li Cunxin will not reprise his role, however, he could return in some capacity.

Trusted sources claim Rockhampton-raised Ms Benjamin – who finished up on Friday – could not work within the budget limitations of Queensland Ballet.

Ms Benjamin wanted approval to bring in internationally renowned choreographers – represented by her husband Tobias Round’s London-based management company – but “Queensland Ballet is so grassroots”, a source said.

“Before Li came in and transformed the company, it had to hold car-washes to raise funds, and the gym equipment the dancers used came from the council kerbside collection,” they said.

“Ms Benjamin didn’t understand the constraints; just because you’ve been a prima ballerina doesn’t make you a good artistic director.”

Another source said the departure of Ms Benjamin had “split the company”, with senior dancers sorry to see her go.

Ms Benjamin told The Courier-Mail via text on Friday morning: “For the time being, I need to let the press statement, and my quotes in it, be in place of giving any interviews. I hope you will understand.”

Former Qld Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin with his replacement Leanne Benjamin. Benjamin has now left after a falling out: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

In that statement on Wednesday, Ms Benjamin said: “Ultimately, as we have worked together to design a vibrant season for 2025, it has become very clear that my artistic aspirations for our company, including the opportunity to engage diverse choreographic voices, both international and Australian, and venture outside of the traditional theatre environment with immersive opportunities, is not immediately possible within the funding constraints faced by the company.”

According to its 2023 annual report, Queensland Ballet made a loss of $1.57m for the year ending December 31.

Another source said of Ms Benjamin: “She had a lot of energy and was enthusiastic to make her mark, but there was not enough money to do what she wanted to do.”

The Courier-Mail was also told Ms Benjamin didn’t drive, adding taxi fares to the ballet’s expenses, and for regional tours to Toowoomba and other locations requested to fly.

“She did not attend every performance of the ballet – in contrast to Li – and did not seem to understand the importance of our donors who help keep the company running,” a source said.

Ms Benjamin’s appointment came after an extensive international search following Li Cunxin’s decision to retire due to ill-health.

Chair Brett Clark said he was “deeply grateful” to Ms Benjamin “for her invaluable contribution, including her artistic leadership, creativity, positivity, and the ideas she has brought to the company over the past six months”.

Queensland Ballet executive director Dilshani Weerasinghe confirmed on Friday Li Cunxin would not be returning as artistic director but “we will continue to see him in our theatres and studios every now and then; he’ll never be a stranger.”

Mr Li said while Queensland Ballet would “always hold a special place in my heart”, he and wife Mary were enjoying retirement.

Greg Horsman, appointed assistant artistic director in 2023, will be acting artistic director as the Queensland Ballet team comes together to finalise Season 2025, due to be launched in October.