Queensland Ballet will get in one major performance this year
Ballet fans were crushed when Queensland Ballet cancelled season 2020, but the state company will enjoy a small revival with a gorgeous production of the much-loved Giselle.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
After cancelling season 2020 Queensland Ballet will still manage to stage a major ballet with Giselle at HOTA on the Gold Coast next month.
The company has staged a small production of 60 dancers: 60 Stories (a work developed online) at the Brisbane Powerhouse and Empire Theatre in Toowoomba and has more shows coming up at Caloundra and QPAC.
But it looked like fans would be without a major production this year until the state company got together with Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise with the backing of Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate.
Queensland Ballet’s plea for help: ‘we need more blokes’
Hollywood royalty in audience for return of Queensland Ballet
Giselle will be presented on the outdoor stage there from November 12-14 and artistic director Li Cunxin says the dancers are ecstatic to be in the studio rehearsing that now after months of uncertainty.
“We will do three shows,” Li says. “It’s a nice bonus and it will be very emotional for everyone. We are very grateful that we can do it. Isolation took so much away.”
Queensland Ballet shut its doors for nearly four months and everyone assumed there would be no full ballet until next year.
Now, with Giselle, which wasn’t actually part of season 2020, fans will have what they have been craving.
Giselle is a masterpiece of romantic ballet that first premiered in Paris in 1841.
It follows the story of an innocent peasant girl.
Tricked into love with a deceitful count, it’s a tale of love and betrayal and is one of the first ballets that Li Cunxin and his wife Mary (then Mary McKendry) danced together when they were stars at the Houston Ballet many years ago.
“Queensland Ballet last did Giselle eight years ago,” Li says.
“Why did it take so long for us to do it again?”
He says he’s not sure about that but is just happy the pandemic inspired them to do it again even with a short season and limited seating due to COVID restrictions. HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke says the venue is also thrilled. “We’re delighted to see the always incredible Queensland Ballet touring again,” she says. “The opportunity to see Giselle performed under the stars on our Outdoor Stage will be incredibly special experience.”
Tickets go on sale Tuesday October 13 at 2pm at hota.com.au