The Ballet Bible

Queensland Ballet

Queensland Ballet’s hallmarks are the youthful energy of its 24 dancers, its commitment to technical excellence, and the highly varied repertoire it presents.

Led by Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer, François Klaus, the Company presents approximately 100 performances each year as the State ballet company of Queensland. In addition to performances in Brisbane, the Company tours to regional Queensland, as well as making interstate and overseas visits.

Queensland Ballet’s varied repertoire ranges from popular classics and full-length story ballets to new works in a variety of dance styles by reputed international dancer-makers as well as emerging local talents.

The Company has its own Centre for Dance in the historic Thomas Dixon building in Brisbane’s West End. First built as a shoe factory in the early 1900s, the Centre offers excellent facilities which enable the Company to nurture creativity and to offer a full range of training and community access programs. 

The Company’s suite of training programs provides opportunities for dance students from as young as 11 to work with the Company and its artistic staff. The skill and experience of these artists ensures the high standard of training offered in the Junior Extension Program and Professional Year, as well as through the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, a program offered in partnership with Education Queensland. (For more information about training programs, click here)

Queensland Ballet was established in 1960 by Charles Lisner OBE. Lisner trained with Edouard Borovansky and danced with his ballet company before going to London to continue dance studies with the SadlersWellsBalletSchool. He later joined the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. In 1953 Lisner returned to Australia to open the Lisner Ballet Academy, and in 1960, the Lisner Ballet Company. 

The Company was re-named Queensland Ballet in 1962 and became the first ballet ensemble in Australia to tour to regional centres, a commitment which continues today.

In 1974, Charles stepped down as Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, to be replaced by Harry Haythorne. Following Harry’s departure in 1978, founding company member and principal dancer, Harold Collins, was appointed as Artistic Director. Collins led the company until his retirement in 1997, maintaining Lisner’s commitment to the creation of uniquely Australian dance, and to forging a strong and independent company.

Collins was succeeded in 1998 by François Klaus, a respected and experienced European dancer, teacher and choreographer. Under Klaus’s artistic stewardship, Queensland Ballet has continued to prosper and grow, remaining a significant force in the Australian cultural landscape.

June 30, 2007 | In Ballet Companies |