AUS Ballet's Regional Tour of Giselle

Artists of The Australian Ballet Regional Tour. Photo Jeff Busby

The Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour of Giselle

Tasmania, Victoria and NSW

The Australian Ballet is bringing romance to regional Australia as it presents the quintessential classical ballet Giselle in 2017. The critically acclaimed production will be presented in Tasmania from 28 June to 1 July, Victorian venues from 5 to 12 July and then on to New South Wales from 14 to 15 July.

Since its creation in 1841, Giselle has captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with its heartbreaking love story, famous mad scene, sea of ghostly white tutus and impressive display of ballet technique.

Giselle follows the story of a village girl who falls in love with a man who is not all he seems. When she discovers his deception, she dies of a broken heart. Transformed into a spirit, she is reunited with her lover in a forest haunted by the ghosts of jilted women, and must dance with him until dawn to save his life.

Since 1982, The Australian Ballet Regional Tour, formally known as The Dancers Company, has brought the enchanting and transformative experience of ballet to communities across Australia. The tour showcases the artistry and technical skills of artists of The Australian Ballet and graduating students of The Australian Ballet School. In 2017 the tour is expected to reach over 11,000 people in regional locations through performances and community engagement activities.

Artistic Director David McAllister said “Regional touring has been an important feature of the company’s activities since our very first tour back in 1966. Since 1980 the tour has partnered with The Australian Ballet School to undertake annual tours to regional centres, presenting a wide selection of our company’s diverse repertoire across the country. This year we are taking one of the most treasured works – the romantic classic Giselle on the road. This is a ballet that all dancers love dancing and I am sure these dancers will follow in the footsteps of world-famous Italian ballet dancer Carlotta Grisi, who was so well known for performing the role of ‘Giselle’.”

Aligning with the tour, The Australian Ballet will engage with local communities through its Step Inside and Behind the Scenes programs. The dance education team will visit ten schools in regional NSW and Tasmania whereby over 2,000 students will get to experience fun, interactive workshops delivered free of charge.

The Australian Ballet’s much-loved Step Inside program gives a rare look behind the curtain. Open classes give dance students the chance to participate in a class on stage with a member of the artistic staff, with live piano accompaniment. The Behind The Scenes program allows a special peek into the daily life of our dancers. From your theatre seat you’ll watch as they take class on stage and fine-tune their technique in preparation for a performance. You’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to watch one of our principal couples in an intimate coaching session. This is a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to prepare for a performance.