Queensland Ballet at Home

Queensland Ballet at Home presents a dazzling showcase of ballet masterpieces carefully curated from local and international productions. Four pieces separated into two acts are featured in this year’s touring program: Ben Stevenson OBE's "Three Preludes", a poignant love story brought to life through Sergei Rachmaninoff's music. Matthew Lawrence's "Tchaikovsky Mash" delights with its enchanting blend of tutus and music from classical ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty". Marius Petipa's iconic "Le Corsaire pas de deux" adds historical depth, drawing inspiration from Lord Byron's timeless poetry. Queensland Ballet's own Assistant Artistic Director, Greg Horsman, contributes the beautiful and memorable "A Rhapsody in Motion". showcasing the company's talent and versatility.

This balletic feast promises to captivate audiences with its emotive storytelling, dazzling choreography, and timeless music, reaffirming Queensland Ballet's status as a vibrant and compelling force in Australia's cultural landscape.

In Three Preludes, choreographed by Ben Stevenson OBE and performed by Chiara Gonzalez and Patricio Reve, the audience is transported into the delicate blossoming of a sweet romance. With a sparse stage and plain costumes, the simplicity of the aesthetics accentuates the poise and polish of the duo's soft dance. The first prelude sets a gentle and introspective mood, with the pair initially separated by a barre. As they navigate through their movements individually, they gradually find harmony, their gazes meeting and movements synchronizing. Despite moments of hesitation and discord, they ultimately find their rhythm, elegantly navigating extended lifts around the barre. Upon the removal of the barre in the second prelude, the stage remains fragmented by spotlights, symbolizing the continued process of self-discovery and connection. Although now free to glide across the stage, they still drift apart. Finally, in the third prelude, bathed in soft lavender lighting, the pair achieve a vibrant balance in their pas de deux, each movement complementing the other's seamlessly. The evolution of their relationship is portrayed subtly through the offering and acceptance of hands for support, from hesitancy to mutual assurance and confidence. This nuanced choreographic choice adds depth to their journey, culminating in a harmonious and confident partnership, where they no longer seek support but instead move as one, trusting in each other's strength and presence.

Tchaikovsky Mash, choreographed by Matthew Lawrence, breathes life into the Classical era with a compilation of short works set to Tchaikovsky's iconic music from Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. Georgia Swan and Joel Woellner take centre stage, showcasing their incredible talent and skill as the Ballerina and Principal Man. Their performance is a captivating display of precision and elegance, drawing the audience into a world of beauty and grace. Watching Swan and Woellner dance is truly mesmerizing. Their graceful leaps and fluid gestures tell a story of love and longing, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the audience. The performance also features a few grand jeté lifts, flawlessly executed by Swan with shadow performer Ari Thompson lending assistance as they soared across the width of the stage.

Accompanying the pair, the ensemble's infectious energy and joyful expressions captivate the audience from the moment the curtains rise, with the young swans stealing the show with their delightful mannerisms. A highlight of the performance occurs during Swan’s solo under a spotlight. Behind her, out of the darkness, the hands of the ensemble peeked out into beams of light to create an illusion of water rippling and splashing, adding a delightful flair to the classic Swan Lake performance.

In Marius Petipa’s Le Corsaire pas de deux, performed by Laura Tosar and Patricio Reve, audiences are treated to a whirlwind of swash-buckling drama and exotic allure. Throughout the excerpt, the pair seamlessly alternate between dancing together and separately, each showcasing their individual talents before coming together in mesmerizing displays of synchronized movement. The performance also features a breathtaking spin by Tosar, executed with such speed and precision that it even made me dizzy! The dramatic flair of their performance is evident in every gesture, leap, and step, transporting the audience to the romanticized world of pirates and adventure. However, the short duration of the excerpts leaves one yearning for more, wishing for longer sequences to fully immerse oneself in the beauty and artistry of this ballet. Despite this, the skill and talent of the dancers shine brightly, leaving a lasting impression.

Greg Horsman's ballet, A Rhapsody in Motion, debuted to critical acclaim in 2022. Now reprised, the elegant choreography accompanied with the music of Rachmaninoff once again enchants. The stage lit in a sea of tranquil blues and greens and the dancers adorned in vibrant crimson and warm tones; their fluttering costumes contrasting beautifully with the rippling lights is nothing short of electric. However, a crimson pair stood out amongst the rest. The chemistry between the dancers was palpable, their connection radiating from the stage and enveloping the audience in its embrace. As they danced separately, their movements echoed and mirrored one another, building to a crescendo of unity in a breathtaking pas de deux that left spectators breathless with awe. Throughout the evening, the audience was swept away on a journey of emotion and enchantment, their applause punctuating moments of particular brilliance and artistry. Yet, during this pair’s solo, the theatre hushed in a reverent silence that lasted until the end of the show.

Experience the magic of ballet with Queensland Ballet at Home, where four beautiful pieces come together in a breathtaking showcase of the technical skill and artistry that our resident company has fostered. With dazzling performances and timeless storytelling, Queensland Ballet reaffirms its status as a vibrant and compelling force in Australia's cultural landscape, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of dance. Whether you're a seasoned ballet enthusiast or new to the art form, this is an experience sure to delight.

Rebecca Lynne

Regional tour in various locations across Queensland from the 28^th February to the 27^th of March

Tickets: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2024/queensland-ballet-at-home