Experience Queensland Ballet’s Striking Triple Bill – Bespoke

WORDS: Meryn Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY David Kelly

Audiences are invited to explore the vibrant world of neoclassical and contemporary dance in a thrilling new season of Queensland Ballet’s Bespoke.

Now in its fifth year, this striking triple bill of modern dance is an opportunity to witness the company’s elite ballet dancers in dynamic contemporary spaces.

Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said this year’s Bespoke promises an engaging mix of daring, original works that will defy ideas about what dance is, what dance can do, and how dance is experienced.

“This season of Bespoke offers a sublime merging of classical technique with an emotional depth that will lure audiences out of the traditional theatre space and into an intriguing dimension of artistic possibility,” said Mr Li.

Renowned Australian choreographers Greg Horsman, Petros Treklis, and Stephanie Lake have collaborated with dancers and artists to create three compelling new pieces of innovative storytelling, using visual art, music, and the depths of human emotion as elements of inspiration.

Guest choreographer Stephanie Lake who created a piece for the inaugural season of Bespoke in 2017 said that it was lovely to be invited back for Bespoke in 2022.

“I was hoping I would get invited back at some point, so it is lovely to return. The first season was very successful, and I am so happy that the program has continued to grow because it’s so important for ballet companies to support new work,” said Ms Lake.

Queensland Ballet’s Chief Ballet Master Greg Horsman said audiences can expect a range of different elements from Bespoke in 2022.

“With three ballets and three different choreographers, there will be an array of elements to each piece. There will be something for everyone in the program to enjoy,” said Mr Horsman.

Queensland Ballet’s 2022 Season of Bespoke will be the first performance at the Thomas Dixon Centre – Brisbane’s newest cultural and lifestyle destination.

“The redevelopment has been a dream ten years in the making, so we are excited to welcome our audiences back to the Thomas Dixon Centre for Bespoke,” said Mr Li.

“It is going to be quite special and exciting for both the Company and the audience to witness Bespoke in the new 350-seat Talbot Theatre. The new Talbot Theatre is an extraordinary performance space, where stories will be shared, creativity flourishes, and connections between artists and audiences are forged,” said Mr Li.

So successful is the format that there are very few tickets left for the season.

“It really is a program that’s snapped up early by season and single ticket holders. There are still a few seats remaining for our evening performances, and some great spots left in the matinee sessions,” concluded Mr Li.

Bespoke runs from 20-30 July 2022 at Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre. Tickets start at $60. For more information go to www.queenslandballet.com.au/2022/bespoke

 

PROGRAM

Tethered

Choreographer Petros Treklis

Lighting Designer Cameron Goerg

Costume Designer Zoe Griffiths

Music New work by James Brown

Biography

Choreographer Stephanie Lake

Music New work by Robin Fox

Costume Stylist Zoe Griffiths

Lighting Designer Cameron Goerg

A Rhapsody in Motion

Choreographer Greg Horsman

Music Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, recorded by Philadelphia Orchestra with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and pianist Daniil Trifinov

Costume Designer Zoe Griffiths

Lighting Designer Cameron Goerg