My Journey to the Charles Lisner Circle

"My interest in the Arts began many years ago as a teenager in my country of birth, Canada. I grew up in a small town in Manitoba who annually held an arts festival and as a student participated as part of school groups.

Later, while studying Education, my interest in the Arts was extended as I had the opportunity to usher at live theatre venues in Winnipeg. My university degree was a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Drama. I began to not enjoy live theatre as I became so critical, being an expert with my studies, but fortunately found the Royal Winnipeg Ballet which I became infatuated with. I enjoyed it for its beauty and capability to move me emotionally, but I didn’t want to know any of the background/techniques of ballet or dancing. Through my teaching, I did however become involved with folk dancing. 

When I migrated to Brisbane in 1975, I became an audience member of Queensland Ballet. I later joined ‘The Queensland Ballet Friends’ for the social side of ballet and soon became involved with the committee who helped raise funds through various activities as well as help cater Opening Nights and other functions. I stepped back from my involvement in the Friends for a number of years and have in the past few years again become a QB Friend member in honour of the committee legacy.

Queensland Ballet over the years has given me much joy through taking me away from the humdrum of daily life and allowing me to experience the ‘magic’ on the stage. This, over the years made me realise that for this to continue, not only for me but for future generations, my contribution through a legacy would be of assistance. I hope that my legacy will help Queensland Ballet to continue their work with young dancers in both the Academy and the Company.

As a lover of the Arts and Queensland Ballet in particular, may I suggest that you leave a legacy in your will to Queensland Ballet so that future generations may enjoy the experience of observing the Company as you do. By becoming part of the Charles Lisner Circle, you will meet like-minded people"

- Peter Myska, Charles Lisner Circle member