The Australian Ballet School Melbourne Showcase with Possum Magic
The Australian Ballet School is thrilled to present its Melbourne Showcase with Possum Magic for this year’s final production to celebrate the extraordinary talent of the school. As part of the Melbourne Showcase, students at The Australian Ballet School will perform a mix of classical and contemporary ballet pieces including a reprise of the much-cherished Possum Magic the Ballet.
The Melbourne Showcase will feature four performances from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are on sale now through Arts Centre Melbourne Box Office.
Possum Magic the Ballet – First performed by the school late last year, the enchanting adaption of the all-time best-selling Australian children’s book will be brought to life and performed by 48 full-time pre-professional students from The Australian Ballet School.
The production incorporates themes of adventure and magic, while effortlessly fusing classic and contemporary techniques that will captivate audiences of all ages. Possum Magic is set to original, uplifting music.
Serenata – This classical ballet piece is choreographed by Stephen Baynes, a former student of the school who has been the Resident Choreographer with The Australian Ballet since 1995. Having choreographed performances with various companies across Europe and the US, Baynes’ Serenata will be performed by Level 6 students and is a true testament to his artistic vision.
Suite en cinque – A new work by Irina Konstantinova, a former dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, the piece is set to embrace a traditionally classic style. Konstantinova, who has been a dedicated teacher at the Australian Ballet School for many years, brings a deep understanding of classical ballet to her choreography.
Performed by the Level 4 students that Konstantinova teaches daily, this production will highlight the grace and precision of classical techniques, offering a beautifully crafted experience that will enchant audiences and explore the talents of the next generation of ballet dancers.
‘Waltz’ from Birthday Celebration – A classical ballet piece originally created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Australian Ballet School in 2004. Choreographed by Mark Annear, this piece will showcase the elegance and technical skill of the emerging Level 5 students, while rousing a sense of tradition and celebration to the stage.
No. 5 – A reprise of a piece first performed at the 60th Anniversary Gala Performance in Melbourne, No. 5 is inspired by the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume and based around the layers of femininity. Two musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (a member of the Arts8 national training institutions) will accompany the ballet school performers on stage.
This piece is choreographed by Dani Rowe, a former student of The Australian Ballet School and a former principal dancer with The Australian Ballet and Houston Ballet, and now an internationally renowned choreographer and current Artistic Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre.
Otherwhere – A new work choreographed by Kevin Jackson, the piece delves into self-exploration and examines how personal identities influence and relate to the broader universal collective. Otherwhere will be performed by the Level 7 students that Jackson teaches daily. Jackson is an alumnus of The Australian Ballet School and a current faculty member following an incredible 18-year career at the Australian Ballet where he danced as a Principal Artist.
Gracias a la Vida – An evocative ballet piece choreographed by graduated student Jai Fauchon and inspired by his transformative journey at the school. Titled “Gracias a la Vida” (Thanks to Life), this mesmerising performance delves into the challenges and triumphs of artistic growth and self-discovery.
Performed by the Level 8 students, this poignant work will serve as the grand finale of their time at the Australian Ballet School, marking their final performance as students. Premiering at the 60th Anniversary Gala Performance in Melbourne, Fauchon’s piece was performed alongside works by renowned choreographers including Graeme Murphy AO.
Megan Connelly, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet School, speaking about the upcoming showcase:
We are thrilled to mark the end of an incredible year with our Melbourne Showcase, featuring Possum Magic this November. It’s a celebration of our students’ immense growth and talent, and a testament to their hard work and dedication.
2024 has been particularly special, as we celebrate our 60th anniversary with performances at the Sydney Opera House, Regent Theatre and Arts Centre Melbourne. We look forward to honouring our students’ achievements and anticipating another outstanding year ahead at the school.
The production will be performed across four shows at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse Theatre from Friday 1 November to Sunday 3 November 2024. Prices start at $35.
Season Details
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne| Playhouse Theatre
Date : 1-3 Nov 2024
For more information click HERE
