The Queensland Ballet 2023 season has just been announced, one that promises to show off the company’s talent and diversity. A wonderful medley of classics, other full-length ballets, world premieres, and the showcase of the upcoming talent from its Academy, Artistic Director Li Cunxin’s 11th season is sure to please new and loyal audiences.
Queensland Ballet 2023 Season Trailer
Queensland Ballet 2023 Season Schedule
Giselle | April 14-29, 2023
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- Giselle by Marius Petipa
Experience love, envy, betrayal, and tragic redemption in the quintessential Romantic ballet, Giselle.
First performed in Paris, France in 1841, this Romantic-era masterpiece is set in an ethereal realm where vengeful spirits dance in the darkness, and love triangles can be deadly. Follow the story of the young peasant girl Giselle, and her death by a broken heart. In the twilight world of the Wilis, will she follow the dark path of revenge or save her true love from certain death?
With exquisite choreography, luminous costumes, and an enchanting score, Giselle has held audiences spellbound since its Parisian première more than 150 years ago.
Trilogy | June 16-25, 2023
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- Rooster by Christopher Bruce
- A Brief Nostalgia by Jack Lister
- My Brilliant Career by Cathy Marston
Music, colour, and rock n roll swagger collide in Christopher Bruce’s Rooster – a celebration of the swinging 60s! Featuring toe-tapping tunes by The Rolling Stones including “Paint it Black”, “Not Fade Away”, and “Little Red Rooster”, this high-energy production resurrects the 1960s with an ironic look at the era.
Part ballet, part Scandi noir in style, Jack Lister’s A Brief Nostalgia premiered in London in 2019 as a co-production with Birmingham Ballet. Wistful and atmospherically cinematic, this abstract work explores the inevitability of the memories we collect, and how we respond when they are all we have left.
Based on the celebrated novel, My Brilliant Career by Stella Maria ‘Miles Franklin’, this world premiere work, by internationally-renowned Australian choreographer Cathy Marston, is an exploration of the vivacious Australian spirit against a vivid country backdrop.
The Little Mermaid | June 22 – July 1, 2023
Thomas Dixon Centre
- The Little Mermaid by Paul Boyd
Discover Hans Christian Anderson’s most spellbinding fairytale of all in this charming retelling of The Little Mermaid. Based on the original 1837 story – with a few magical twists and turns, this delightful family adventure follows the much-loved tale of a young mermaid who falls deeply in love with a human prince and faces an impossible decision: a life on land or sea.
With a parade of well-known and reimagined characters inspired by the 1989 Disney film, and sublime music by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius as a nod to the original story’s Scandinavian heritage, this new family fairytale by acclaimed choreographer Paul Boyd will premiere at Thomas Dixon Centre
Bespoke | July 27 – August 5, 2023
Thomas Dixon Centre
- World Premiere by Natalie Weir
- World Premiere by Remi Wörtmeyer
- World Premiere by Paul Boyd
Venture into the unknown with three stunning world premiere contemporary works in Bespoke.
Compelling, challenging, and always thought-provoking, Bespoke returns for a sixth season with a triple bill by leading Australian choreographers Natalie Weir, Remi Wörtmeyer, and Paul Boyd.
This celebration of collaboration and original creativity invites audiences to explore the vibrant world of contemporary dance in an intimate environment at the new Talbot Theatre, inside the recently redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre. Using music, art, and the artists themselves as inspiration, Bespoke offers a sublime merging of classical technique with emotional depth that will lure you into new dimensions of creativity.
Queensland Ballet Academy Gala | August 11-13, 2023
Thomas Dixon Centre
- TBA
Don’t miss the rising stars of dance in this compelling showcase of talent by Queensland Ballet’s esteemed Academy. Demonstrating technical finesse and exquisite artistry, the annual Queensland Ballet Academy Gala presents our professionally-trained young dancers as they master performance and passion in a dazzling display of classical and contemporary dance.
Audiences will enjoy a program of inspiring classical pieces and dynamic contemporary works by renowned choreographers. Performed by dancers at the beginning of their bright careers, this exciting program will be presented at Queensland Ballet’s heritage home, the Thomas Dixon Centre.
Strictly Gershwin | September 28 – October 7, 2023
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- Strictly Gershwin by Derek Deane
Strictly Gershwin comes roaring back to evoke the glamour and romance of the golden age in this spectacular tribute to George and Ira Gershwin. Summoning the silver screen magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Queensland Ballet takes audiences on a dazzling journey through ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom dance genres, to the big band era soundtrack of the thirties. With sensational choreography by Derek Deane and music adapted by Gareth Valentine, culminating in a sparkling grand finale from An American in Paris, this work i a fabulous homage to the art deco era.
The Nutcracker | December 1-20, 2023
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- The Nutcracker by Ben Stevenson OBE
Celebrate the most magical and popular of holiday traditions with Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The festive favorite returns for its 11th year to captivate Queensland audiences once again with a dazzling winter wonderland where anything is possible. Fireplaces crackle, snowflakes flutter, and enchanted toys come alive to frolic and play to delight families of all ages this Christmas season. Featuring all the character favorites: the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, Drosselmeyer, and more, this is ballet magic at its best a cherished annual tradition for the whole family.
Featured Photo for the Queensland Ballet 2023 Season by David Kelly.
