En pointe: Queensland Ballet bringing tour to Maryborough

The magic of ballet is coming to Maryborough, with Queensland Ballet bringing Tutus on Tour to the city. Whether you are an aspiring ballerina or danseur, or just love to dance, there is something on offer for all ages and abilities.

The magic of ballet is coming to Maryborough.

Queensland Ballet will present a performance of Tutus on Tour and delivering a series of community dance classes and in-school workshops when it visits the city later this month.

Enabled with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Queensland Ballet will grace the stage at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre on Tuesday, August 24.

With excerpts from some of their most acclaimed repertoire, including founding Artistic Director Charles Lisner’s Grande Pas Classique, Francois Klaus’s Cloudland Pas de Deux and Don Quixote, Tutus on Tour is certain to captivate audiences.

Presented by Ergon Energy and Energex, QB’s Community Engagement team will present community dance classes, In-school workshops and teacher professional development sessions on August 24 and 25, providing locals with the opportunity to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of dance.

TUTUS ON TOUR: Queensland Ballet Company artist Tonia Looker. Picture: David Kelly

All workshops will adhere to Covid-safe guidelines and Queensland Ballet’s strict processes to ensure the safety of Queensland Ballet’s teaching artists and participants.

Teaching artists will be required to wear a mask for each class and class capacity will be limited.

The Tutus on Tour group is heading to eight towns, while Queensland Ballet’s community engagement team will travel across 34 regional locations in just over six months, taking a touch of ballet magic across the state and for the first time, the Northern Territory.

The Community Engagement team is forecast to engage with over 8000 people in what will be the biggest regional tour to date.

Whether you are an aspiring ballerina or danseur, or just love to dance, there is something on offer for all ages and abilities.

Community Classes in Maryborough range from Queensland Ballet Petit Pointers aimed to enthral the littlest lovers of dance (2-5 years), to a tailored Ballet for Seniors class for mature active adults.

Children from six to 11-years-old will also delight in tailored ballet workshops.

The in-school workshops provide educative and inclusive dance experiences for students in kindergartens and schools.

The workshops are delivered by an expert team of Queensland Ballet teaching artists, and are designed to complement the Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Curriculum and Senior Dance Syllabus learning outcomes.

Callum Mackie - Queensland Ballet

Teaching Artists and participants will have to follow guidelines, including keeping 1.5 metres apart at all times. Certain choreography has also been adapted, including removal of all partnering activities, pas de deux, sharing of props or costumes and collaborative group work.

In true road trip style, the team will be hitting the open road to travel to each town, powered by Mercedes Benz Brisbane and LSH Auto Australia.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO is excited to see the Community Engagement tour expand to new locations, including Weipa, Thargomindah and Alice Springs, enabled by the focused support of generous donors.

“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal donors, who allow us to connect with communities all across Queensland and beyond,” says Mr Li.

“Dance has the incredible ability to transform lives, whether it’s through the physical movement, the social aspect or the creative expression.”

To book your tickets to Tutus on Tour, click here.

To register for Community workshops, click here.