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A group of ballet dancers.

The Australian Ballet

Season 2023

Season 2023 marks 60 years of The Australian Ballet. Six decades of ambition, imagination and excellence that have shaped the company's identity, establishing their place as a jewel in this nation's artistic landscape.

The Australian Ballet's revival of Anne Woolliams' 1977 Swan Lake is a cornerstone of their 60th anniversary. George Balanchine's Jewels is an opulent three-part ballet showcasing the beauty of Balanchine's interpretation of Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. In a nod to the company's heritage, Don Quixote will see The Australian Ballet enliven Nureyev and Helpmann's sumptuous 1973 film adaption, transposing Barry Kay's lavish Spanish-inspired sets on stage in an exquisite spectacle.

The dancers will also embrace the choreographic visions of Daniel Riley, Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, and Resident Choreographer Alice Topp, in new communisations based on the theme of Identity. The season also features a tribute to Frederick Ashton and The Royal Ballet with a double bill of his work: The Dream and Marguerite and Armand.

Let The Australian Ballet move you beyond words in Season 2023.

Don Quixote

20 – 25 Apr 2023

In a creative feat that will see ballet transposed from screen to stage, Don Quixote recreates Rudolf Nureyev and Robert Helpmann’s 1973 film in a wildly colourful, palpably textured stage spectacle.
  • Dance

Jewels

12 – 20 May 2023

George Balanchine’s Jewels is a mesmerising and majestic three-part ballet thematically structured around the motifs of Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds.
Three ballerinas doing ballet.

Identity

13 – 20 May 2023

Two of Australia’s leading choreographers join forces exploring the theme of Identity. THE HUM (Daniel Riley) and Paragon (Alice Topp).
  • Dance
The back of a dancer in mid movement with one leg lifted and hands thrown back. Head looking to one side, against an ochre coloured backdrop.

The Dream / Marguerite and Armand

15 – 25 Nov 2023

A double bill from Frederick Ashton that will showcase the depth of the artists of The Australian Ballet. Featuring The Dream an airy, romantic homage to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Marguerite and Armand a tragic love affair of pure passion.
  • Dance
A danseur dressed as a plant.

Swan Lake

14 – 20 Dec 2023

A dynamic new vision of a timeless classic. The centrepiece of The Australian Ballet's 60th anniversary celebrations that will redefine ballet history for future generations.
A ballerina in white dress performing on the stage.