Let's Dance: The Australian Ballet showcase the latest neutral trends

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This was published 6 years ago

Let's Dance: The Australian Ballet showcase the latest neutral trends

By Cosima Marriner

The Australian Ballet is enjoying a halcyon phase right now – its production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland played to packed houses in Sydney and Melbourne last year and its subscriber sales are at an all-time high.

"There is this real interest and excitement around the Ballet at the moment," says artistic director David McAllister. "We've been talking to our audiences about why they come which has informed [our] performances and repertoire."

Adam wears Venroy “Snaplock” swim shorts, $100. Amber wears Romance Was Born “Big Bang” bustier, $690, and skirt, $590. Ako wears Bloch “Cleo” leotard, $50. Maticevski skirt, $1960. Chanel surfboard, POA.

Adam wears Venroy “Snaplock” swim shorts, $100. Amber wears Romance Was Born “Big Bang” bustier, $690, and skirt, $590. Ako wears Bloch “Cleo” leotard, $50. Maticevski skirt, $1960. Chanel surfboard, POA.Credit: tane coffin

The 2018 season is a nod to the Australian Ballet's rich heritage – it is now in its 55th year – with every work created exclusively for the company.

"Our intention for this year is to surprise and delight," says McAllister.

Amber wears Matteau “The Square Maillot”. Adam wears Quiksilver “Highline Zipperless Steamer” wetsuit. Ako wears Chanel bikini top, Maticevski skirt.

Amber wears Matteau “The Square Maillot”. Adam wears Quiksilver “Highline Zipperless Steamer” wetsuit. Ako wears Chanel bikini top, Maticevski skirt.Credit: tane coffin

One of the highlights will be a new production of Spartacus. Known for its intense physicality, the work was first performed in Australia in 1978, but hasn't been staged here for 15 years.

Its themes of freedom and courage are as timely as ever. "Doing a brand new version of an iconic work like that is daunting and exciting in equal parts," says McAllister.

Principal artist Amber Scott says the opening night "will be an incredibly exciting moment" for the company.

The 2018 program also celebrates one of the icons of Australian dance, Graeme Murphy. Although many associate the choreographer with the Sydney Dance Company, of which he was artistic director for 31 years, he began as a young dancer with the Australian Ballet 50 years ago.

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Ako wears Ellery “Bachelorette Bubble Sleeve” corset, $995. Chanel trousers, $3400. Amber wears Bloch “Cleo” leotard, $50. Maticevski skirt, $1010

Ako wears Ellery “Bachelorette Bubble Sleeve” corset, $995. Chanel trousers, $3400. Amber wears Bloch “Cleo” leotard, $50. Maticevski skirt, $1010Credit: Tane Coffin

Murphy will take audiences through his career highlights, culminating in a revival of his award-winning Firebird.

"We are so lucky in Australia to have someone of his [Murphy's] creativity and imagination," says McAllister.

"It's really exciting to have such a potent creative force still working."

Ako wears Aje x Australis Swarovski gown, POA. Amber wears Bloch “Paradise” leotard, $50. Chanel trousers, $3530.

Ako wears Aje x Australis Swarovski gown, POA. Amber wears Bloch “Paradise” leotard, $50. Chanel trousers, $3530.Credit: Tane Coffin

Audiences will also be treated to The Merry Widow, Cinderella and Giselle. Principal artist Adam Bull is looking forward to reprising the role of Danilo in The Merry Widow. "I can't wait to delve into this outlandish cad of a character again," he says.

And Ako Kondo is thrilled to once again be playing Giselle. "It is a very special ballet to me," she says. "I got promoted to principal artist after my last Giselle performance in 2015."

Amber wears Matteau “The Square Maillot”, $280. Adam wears Quiksilver “Highline Zipperless Steamer” wetsuit, $500.

Amber wears Matteau “The Square Maillot”, $280. Adam wears Quiksilver “Highline Zipperless Steamer” wetsuit, $500. Credit: Tane Coffin

Photography by Tane Coffin. Styling by Penny McCarthy. Make-up, Aimie Fiebig using Tom Ford. Hair, Anthony Nader using David Mallett. Fashion assistant, Tatiana Waterford.

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