Queensland Ballet launch 2023 Season

Courageous characters, dynamic narratives, sparkling scores, and plenty of passion: 2023 presents an opportunity for spirited storytelling told through the dazzling art form of dance.

Inspired by our move to the newly redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet is brimming with revitalised spirit, and we’ve curated our 2023 Season to reflect it – presenting a mix of blockbusters, classics, and exclusive premières from some of the most inventive and creative choreographers across the globe.

From spirited stories to characters with attitude, Season 2023 dives into narratives and eras that will transport audiences to other worlds, performed right here by the world-class Queensland Ballet.

It has been a challenging few years for the Company and its Academy, with the impacts of Covid-19 still reverberating through the arts industry. But Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said in 2022, Queensland Ballet had achieved big dreams and set the standard for even higher achievements.

“From redeveloping our heritage Thomas Dixon Centre home, to being one of only a handful of ballet companies across the world to secure and present Kenneth MacMillan's Manon, 2022 has been a year of immense achievement. We've set the bar high,” he said.

“As I begin my 11th year as Artistic Director, I am so proud of how much we have grown over the last decade.

“Now we have settled into our refurbished home, the Company, and also our Academy at its Kelvin Grove home, are feeling the positive effects of our beautiful and innovative purpose-built environments.

“The works in our 2023 season reflect the incredible talent and standard of this Company, and I can't wait to share them with you.”

Sure to send Brisbane hearts aflutter, Queensland Ballet begins its QPAC season with the Romantic classic Giselle a year after it was cancelled due to 2022’s historic flooding event, which caused the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, to close.

“So beautiful, so beloved, Giselle is the quintessential Romantic era ballet, holding audiences spellbound since its Parisian première more than 150 years ago,” Mr Li said.

“This gives Brisbane audiences – in particular, those who missed out in 2022 - the chance to finally experience the story of love, betrayal and redemption that this beautiful ballet is renowned for.”

In June, prepare to travel through time and place as Queensland Ballet bring the swinging 60s, the 19th century Australian outback, and an abstract work that is part ballet, part Scandi noir-style, to the QPAC Playhouse with a compelling triple bill, Trilogy. Cathy Marston’s world première, My Brilliant Career, is based on the acclaimed Australian novel of the same name by Stella Maria ‘Miles Franklin’, as well as the 1979 Australian film. Based on the author’s life, it explores the tenacious Australian spirit of this strong female protagonist, against a vivid country backdrop. Christopher Bruce’s Rooster is a celebration of the vibrant 1960s with its music, colour, and rock ‘n’ roll swagger, featuring songs by The Rolling Stones and more. Queensland Ballet is proud to present the Australian première of Jack Lister’s wistful and atmospherically cinematic A Brief Nostalgia, a co-production with Birmingham Royal Ballet.

“To have Cathy Marston, one of the world’s most highly regarded choreographers, create My Brilliant Career as an original work for us is truly amazing. Her unique works are story-driven with incredible protagonists, and have been commissioned around the world in companies such as The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, and Danish Royal Ballet,” Mr Li said.

“Bruce’s Rooster will transport audiences to the 1960s with its infectious energy, humour and fantastic music.

“And I first saw Lister’s My Brief Nostalgia at its London première in 2019. Since then, it has been a dream of mine to present this stunning production in Brisbane with Queensland Ballet.”

No season would be complete without a ballet for children and families, and Queensland Ballet is delighted to present a world première of The Little Mermaid as the next production in its My First Ballet series.

“Families will love this charming retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved fairytale,” Mr Li said.

“Choreographed by the inventive and talented Paul Boyd, we look forward to bringing this visually spectacular and enchanting story to life in the new Talbot Theatre.”

Contemporary dance-lovers will rejoice in 2023 as Queensland Ballet presents three more world première pieces in its sixth season of Bespoke.

“Our much-loved annual contemporary season returns to the Talbot Theatre, offering audiences the chance to experience three brand new works created by exceptionally talented Australian choreographers Natalie Weir, Paul Boyd, and Remi Wörtmeyer,” Mr Li said.

“Always a sell-out, each year, Bespoke challenges dancers and audiences alike as it breaks through traditional barriers to reveal new perspectives on movement and storytelling. I am constantly blown away by what I see on stage. When classical technique and emotional depth merge with intriguing concepts, our results are always fascinating.”

In August, Queensland Ballet presents its annual Queensland Ballet Academy Gala.

“Our Academy at Kelvin Grove is thriving, and the annual showcase offers the opportunity to witness these rising young stars of the dance world,” Mr Li said.

“Always a stunning season presenting the very best fresh new talent, the Gala encompasses a program of inspiring classical and dynamic contemporary works at the beautiful Talbot Theatre.”

Other very special Academy performances in 2023 include Aspire ’23 and the glamorous, art-inspired Soirée – all presented at the Talbot Theatre, giving audiences plenty of chances to experience the refurbished Thomas Dixon Centre.

September is blockbuster time, and it’s one of the most exciting and spirited ballets of all: due to popular demand, Queensland Ballet is thrilled to announce Derek Deane’s Strictly Gershwin will return to the Lyric Theatre after its outstanding success in 2016. Mr Li said he couldn’t wait to bring it back to Brisbane.

“From the modern era to the glamour of the golden age, Strictly Gershwin is a melting pot of classical ballet, singing, tap and ballroom dancing, and the best of Gershwin’s sensational music,” he said.

“It’s one of the most magnificent productions of all time. Queensland Ballet performed it in 2016 to audience and critical acclaim, and, due to popular demand, we can’t wait to present it again in 2023.”

Queensland Ballet rounds out its Brisbane season with the ever-charming, ever-popular family festive tradition, The Nutcracker.

“A favourite of mine and so many others, The Nutcracker is the perfect Christmas experience for families of all generations. If you haven’t experienced our production of pure Christmas magic onstage, be sure to get in quick as tickets always sell fast!”

Meanwhile, regional audiences are in for a treat, as Queensland Ballet takes Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream across Queensland, including to the Gold Coast’s HOTA (Home of The Arts) stage.

“Scarlett’s rendition of Shakespeare’s fantastical masterpiece is beautifully choreographed and visually stunning, interweaving the magical and mortal realms with sublime sets, costumes, and music,” Mr Li said.

Mr Li said it was a joy to present many of the 2023 productions at the Company’s new Talbot Theatre. The purpose-built theatre offers 350+ seats, private viewing rooms, and a stage a little bit bigger than QPAC’s Lyric Theatre.

“If you haven’t seen a show here or visited the Thomas Dixon Centre yet, be prepared for something special,” he said.

And to offer audiences the best possible experience, Queensland Ballet has revitalised its membership structure.

“As our dedicated member base grows, we invite people to take the next step and join us by becoming a member, exploring a new range of revitalised memberships for all ages including an exciting introduction of two premium tiers that allow ballet-goers to elevate their Queensland Ballet experience,” Mr Li said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our supporters who enable all that we do, including the Australian and Queensland Governments, our Major Partners Crown Group, Mercedes-Benz, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Sealy of Australia, and welcome our new Presenting Partner Margot McKinney. Thank you to all our Corporate Partners who help us to continue to deliver world-class performances in Brisbane, around Australia and worldwide. I’d also like to acknowledge the visionary support of the Ken Talbot Foundation, Cass and Ian George, and Trevor and Judith St Baker, without their support, Queensland Ballet would not be the world-class company that it is today. My gratitude of course also goes to the Queensland Ballet Board, and to our QB team who dream with us and strive for the stars.

“Season 2023 is a year rich in storytelling, from literature-driven world premieres, magical classics steeped in history, and incredible blockbusters, to astounding works that will captivate, entertain, and challenge audience perceptions of dance.

“Don’t miss your chance to see this spirited season, featuring works from some of the best choreographers in the world, performed right here in Queensland by the world-class Queensland Ballet.”

For more information on Queensland Ballet's 2023 Season, and to book tickets, click here.