Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet
Queensland Ballet
New Company Artist Ruby Day to perform in Queensland Ballet’s blockbuster Romeo & Juliet.
Following her remarkable success at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland in 2024, new Queensland Ballet Company Artist Ruby Day will take the stage in the first season of the year, Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet.
At just 18-years old, the Mount Gravatt East local officially joined the Company in November 2024 after being given the Rudolph Nureyev Foundation’s Best Young Talent Award at the Prix de Lausanne.
Ruby’s journey through the Queensland Ballet Academy has been nothing short of inspiring. Beginning in the Associate Program, she progressed through the Academy’s levels, bypassing the Jette Parker Young Artist program (JPYA) and advancing directly from the Pre-Professional Program student (PPP) to Company Artist.
Reflecting on her transition from student to professional, Ruby shared it has been a wonderful journey.
“It has been exciting. In the Academy, we train so hard for this moment,” she said.
“And now, even to be able to step into those Company Artist change rooms is a sense of accomplishment. But also, it’s a whole new chapter and there are so many more challenges ahead. I’m excited to continue working towards them.”
Her first official Queensland Ballet season saw her perform last year in audience favourite, The Nutcracker; an experience that set the stage for a dazzling career. Looking ahead, Ruby is thrilled to be part of our upcoming season of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet, describing it as a dream production.
“Romeo & Juliet is definitely a bucket list ballet. I think the choreography is so precise, and there are so many nuances to it. We’re working with some incredible coaches and répétiteurs that are coming in to keep the ballet alive. It’s very exciting,” Ruby said.
Although Ruby did not always envision a career in ballet, her dedication and passion led her to Queensland Ballet Academy, where she flourished.
“I didn’t always aspire to be a dancer. I started dancing when I was really young, and the focus wasn’t on ballet; I was focused on jazz and tap musical theatre,” she said.
“It wasn’t until I was a little bit older and I started working one-on-one with my balet teacher and auditioned for Queensland Ballet Academy, that I fell in love with it. I don’t come from a dancing family. I’m the first one.”
Her relentless drive and motivation have been instrumental in her success.
“I’m very driven and motivated, so I think once I had the idea in my head that this was something that interested me and inspired me, it was always the goal I was striving for and working towards.”
Ruby acknowledged the invaluable support of her mentors and teachers at Queensland Ballet Academy as being instrumental to her success.
“The teachers at Queensland Ballet Academy are extremely passionate and inspiring. I always felt inspired by them being in front of me and the knowledge they had to give; I always wanted more. I’d ask them to give me corrections, give me more information,” Ruby said.
“We were given lots of opportunities to work with choreographers – Mr Paul Boyd being the main one I worked with, and I benefited from his wealth of knowledge and experience. I also had the opportunity to experience a creation process. I’m very fortunate that in my graduating year, I had a piece choreographed for Jenson and I, as the principal couple, which is a very rare opportunity at that age.”
Receiving her letter of offer to join Queensland Ballet on her birthday was a moment she will never forget.
“I had a little bit of a pinch-me moment when I received my letter of offer coincidentally on my birthday – you can’t really ask for a better birthday gift. I’m looking forward to many things, but some big ones are definitely growing as an artist, as well as working alongside and learning from the inspiring dancers here at Queensland Ballet.”
Ruby extends her gratitude to those who have supported her journey. “I’m incredibly lucky to have had the support of so many people on my journey so far. I want to say a big thank you to Mr [Christian] Tàtchev and all the Queensland Ballet Academy faculty who have nurtured and supported me over the past few years, entrusting me with many opportunities that have allowed me to grow as a dancer. As well as my past teachers who still offer their ongoing guidance and support, and of course, a big thank you to my family for always being there for me and allowing me to chase my dreams.”
As Queensland Ballet celebrates its 65th year, the Company continues to captivate audiences with an enchanting lineup of iconic masterpieces, world premieres, and a dynamic blend of established and emerging choreographic talents. This milestone season promises to transport audiences through ballet narratives inspired by classic literature and timeless stories.
Queensland Ballet is thrilled to have Ruby Day as part of their talented ensemble and looks forward to witnessing her artistic growth and future achievements in 2025 and beyond.
To book tickets for Romeo & Juliet click here
