Claire Phipps

Rehearsal Assistant

Claire first studied ballet and dance at the Beverly Rowles School of Dance in Wollongong. At age 14 she went to McDonald College, Sydney, to complete Year 12 and study dance with Allan Cross and Josephine Jason, who remain mentors and friends.

Claire graduated with honours from The Australian Ballet School in 1997, where she created the title role in Petal Miller Ashmole's Red Shoes, and danced the role of Odette in Swan Lake.
On graduation, she accepted a contract with The Australian Ballet.

In April 2000 she joined Queensland Ballet and has danced leading roles such as The Snow Fairy in François Klaus’s The Nutcracker, Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. In 2003 a chronic injury forced her temporary retirement from dancing; however, she maintained her connection with the Company by teaching Pilates and coaching Professional Year students.

Claire rejoined Queensland Ballet in September 2005, and performed in nearly all Company productions, including the 2006 and 2007 tours to Germany and Switzerland, and 2007 tour to Singapore. While continuing to dance, in October 2007 she also took on the duties of Artistic Assistant.

Claire was promoted to Soloist in December 2008, following her outstanding performance as Princess Alexandra in François Klaus’s Swan Lake, a role that was created on her. After the birth of her son in 2009, Claire returned to the Company as our Rehearsal Assistant.