QUEENSLAND BALLET CELEBRATES TWO MILESTONES IN 2008

Queensland Ballet will celebrate two important milestones next year, Arts Minister Rod Welford said launching the 2008 program today.

“Next year will be François Klaus’ 10^th year as Artistic Director with the Queensland Ballet,” Mr Welford said.

“Once again François has put together a stunning season of classic performances and groundbreaking contemporary works.

“Highlights of next year’s program include three new, large-scale works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Swan Lake and The Little Mermaid, a state tour of Carmen and plans for a tour of the Asia-Pacific region.

“François’ vision and leadership during the past decade has cemented the company’s national reputation for passionate, innovative and youthful performance, commitment to technical excellence and a varied repertoire.

“Queensland Ballet also marks a second milestone in 2008, with its base, the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre for Dance in Brisbane’s West End celebrating its centenary.”

Mr Welford said the Queensland Ballet had been a showpiece of the state’s arts culture since its formation 47 years ago.

“Just as importantly, the company has also showcased the vitality and vision of Queensland’s arts culture to the rest of Australia and the world,” he said.

“Last year, Queensland Ballet treated audiences in Germany and Switzerland to an excerpt of the François Klaus choreographed Cloudland, set in the legendary Brisbane ballroom.

“Each performance received such an overwhelmingly positive response that every centre toured invited the company to return with the full production of Cloudland.

“Queensland Ballet sets off on this European tour later this month.”

Arts Queensland has joined the Australia Council and Queensland Ballet in a tripartite funding arrangement from 2007 to 2009.

Under the agreement the State Government has committed $4,306,905 toward the company’s operational costs and programming. It also provides additional annual funding of $593,000, which is shared between Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland and the Queensland Theatre Company.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000