World Ballet Day celebrations are en pointe

Ballet lovers around the world will be celebrating all aspects of this artful expression and shining a light on the beauty of dance today (23 October) for World Ballet Day.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said Queensland is home to world-class performers and the Palaszczuk Government proudly supports the arts in Queensland.

“Our Government has invested into two major infrastructure projects that have not only created more than 200 jobs during construction but will support Queensland Ballet and allow them to remain at the forefront of training the next generation of dancers.

“The world-class $17.7 million Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College will have the capacity to train up to 180 students when it opens in 2020,” Minister Enoch said.

“While the Government’s multi-million-dollar investment towards redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre will support the growth of Queensland Ballet and enable them to expand their programs.”

The theme for World Ballet Day this year is ‘Everybody Can Dance’ and everyone around the world would have the opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes as leading ballet companies go live on Facebook, including Queensland Ballet.

“Today Queensland Ballet joined 30 world renowned companies and opened their doors for a glimpse into a regular rehearsal day with the company, and what their community and company classes look like.

“Queensland Ballet continues to go from strength to strength approaching their 60^th year in 2020 with a season that promises to be an absolute showstopper,” Ms Enoch said.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin said it’s an exceptional time for ballet in Queensland.

“In 2020 we’ll be celebrating our 60^th anniversary, receiving the keys to our new home for the company and opening a world class training facility,” Mr Li said

“We have a bold program with a mix of old and new as a way of celebrating where the company has come from, while acknowledging where its ambitions are taking us. And to deliver it are 60 company dancers who take their place among the world’s best.

“On World Ballet Day I think it’s important to reflect on all the achievements we have made as a company, in the arts, and as a State,” Mr Li said.

For more information on World Ballet Day visit: https://worldballetday.com/

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