Long-time Principal Clare Morehen to Leave Queensland Ballet
Last season in RAW from March 17
After 13 years with Queensland Ballet, Principal Artist Clare Morehen has decided to move on from the company.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin reflected on Clare’s hard work, natural gift and talent and her commitment to the art form of ballet.
“Clare has long been a Queensland Ballet audience favourite and has given countless unforgettable performances over the years,” he said.
“Clare has so often been the face of Queensland Ballet and we will miss her dedication to her craft, her natural grace and her love of this Company.”
“Over the years Clare’s talent has shone in both classical ballet and contemporary seasons. She is a truly gifted, musical and versatile dancer.”
Queensland Ballet states that Claire is not retiring, but moving onto to other projects after a string of injuries and accomplishing all that she can as a classical ballerina. She will also be getting married later in the year. Clare said she is looking forward to exploring contemporary dance and the more modern side of ballet immediately after her last season with Queensland Ballet which will be Raw, opening on 17 March.
“It’s with this more modern and contemporary movement that I feel at home and I know I have more to give in this discipline within the artform,” she said
“My time at Queensland Ballet has meant the absolute world to me. I have had the opportunity to work with many great choreographers and stagers over the years, who have not only inspired me on a daily basis, but shaped my identity and enriched me artistically”
“Creating and collaborating has always been my passion and I will be forever thankful to the incredible choreographers who I had the opportunity to work with including Francois Klaus, Greg Horsman, Natalie Weir, Nils Christie, and Tim Podesta.
Upon leaving Queensland Ballet after Raw, Clare will be working on a collaboration with M&T in Motion and The Covent Garden Dance Company. The program is set to premiere in the UK in June and tour throughout Europe.
“Clare has not only been an incredibly valued and loved dancer with this Company for almost 13 years, she has also done some wonderful work behind the scenes as a dancer representative, has given up many a Christmas break to be a Summer School teacher, has inspired countless young children through her work with the Education and Engagement activities, and won over a raft of fans who will love her forever, ” Mr Li said
“Clare’s most memorable performances have crossed over both classical and contemporary ballets including the role of Cinderella, Carabosse in The Sleeping Beauty, her performance in Nils Christie’s Short Dialogues and her powerful performance last year in Natalie Weir’s We Who Are Left.”
“We’re delighted to have Clare with us for the Raw season and we look forward to sharing her last official QB performances with our audiences.”
“We know this is not the end as we are sure Clare will remain part of the QB family and we hope we’ll see her back on our stages in some capacity for a long time to come.”
