50th Anniversary
Queensland Ballet celebrates 50 years: 1960 - 2010
In 2010, Queensland Ballet proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. The passion and drive of our founder, Charles Lisner, has certainly not dimmed over half a century.
Charles Lisner trained with Edouard Borovansky and danced with his company in Australia before going to London, where in 1948 he joined the Sadler’s Wells Company (now the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden). In 1953 Charles returned to Australia with the dream of creating his own company. He began to fund this ambitious enterprise by first opening a ballet school, the Lisner Ballet Academy.
When the curtain went up on the first performance by The Lisner Ballet on 29 April, 1960, the company began a journey that few would have thought possible. Throughout the ensuing 50-year history of what would become Queensland Ballet, the powerful combination of talent, artistry, camaraderie and a determination to succeed has prevailed. These qualities continue to thrive in the company today.
This, though, is only one side of our story. Equally important throughout the years has been the support of our audiences. Queenslanders throughout the state have actively encouraged the company to flourish since its inception. Queensland Ballet would not have become the stable, respected and vigorous organisation it is without this continuous well-spring of public support.
Now home to an ensemble of 24 artistically and technically accomplished dancers, Queensland Ballet presents an extensive annual performance season in Brisbane, and tours each year in regional Queensland. The company’s first international tour was to New Zealand in 1989, followed by a lengthy tour to the United States in 1996. In more recent years our dancers have graced the stages of theatres in Europe, Singapore and Japan, where they were acclaimed by an enthusiastic public on each occasion.Remarkably, within the span of 50 years, Queensland Ballet has been led by only four Artistic Directors. After the 14-year tenure of Charles Lisner, Harry Haythorne assumed the post. Harold Collins, who had been a founding member of The Queensland Ballet Company, was then appointed in 1979, staying for almost two decades. Harold maintained Charles Lisner's commitment to the creation of uniquely Australian dance, and to forging a strong and independent company.
French-born François Klaus was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer of Queensland Ballet in 1998, following an impressive career in Europe as a principal dancer, teacher and choreographer. François has nurtured the vibrancy and creative spirit of Queensland Ballet, overseeing the growth of its repertoire to include many popular classics, story ballets, and new works in a variety of dance styles. Encouraging emerging choreographic talent and giving the dancers opportunities to work with international choreographers are also central to his artistic philosophy. As a means of securing Queensland Ballet’s artistic longevity, François took steps to ensure that highly trained, versatile dancers are available to enter the company. Assisted by Artistic Associate, Robyn White, François established the Professional Year Program in 1999. Many graduates of this sought-after course have since been engaged as company dancers.
Complementing this major training initiative, Queensland Ballet offers supplementary dance training for talented students aged 11 - 14 years through the Junior Extension Program. Through a program provided in partnership with Education Queensland, students in the Queensland Dance School of Excellence also have access to the skill and expertise of the company’s artistic staff.
Several premises in Brisbane have been home to Queensland Ballet. Since 1991, the company has been resident in the historic Thomas Dixon Centre for Dance in Brisbane's West End. First built as a shoe factory in 1908, the building now hosts four large dance studios, one of which, the Charles Lisner Studio, can be adapted as an intimate performance venue. Within these walls we pursue a collective passion for dance and continue the tradition of 50 wonderful years.