The Ballet Bible

West Australian Ballet

West Australian Ballet is one of the foremost performing arts organisations in Western Australia.

Founded in 1953 by Madame Kira Bousloff, it is the oldest of the three ballet companies in Australia, and has developed a fine reputation for bringing both classical and contemporary ballet and contemporary dance of the highest level. The repertoire is diverse, ranging from full length ballets to shorter works, and encompasses a variety of styles, with classical ballet the foundation for the company’s vocabulary, but with a distinctly contemporary outlook on life.

A large part of the repertoire is created for the Company, by invited Australian and international choreographers, as well as by the Artistic Directors. Also included are highlights from classical ballets and masterpieces of the international 20th century repertoire.

The Company has a policy of commissioning leading Australian artists, designers and composers, and has become a showcase for the country’s finest talent.

The standard of dancing is high and all of the 20 dancers who are currently part of the Company have a strong classical background. Some of them have had national and international careers prior to joining West Australian Ballet and many have received awards for their excellence in dancing.

Based in Perth and resident at His Majesty’s Theatre, the Company offers an extensive program of dance throughout the year, with three to four major seasons in Perth, regional touring throughout Western Australia, choreographic workshops, series of free public performances, an extensive education program and other activities.

West Australian Ballet also tours nationally and internationally; recent international tours include those to China, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines.  In 2005 West Australian Ballet toured nationally to Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong, Parramatta and Newcastle and embarked on a North West Tour to Broome, Karratha, Onslow and Newman.  The Company also toured internationally to China, performing in Beijing, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.

West Australian Ballet is the only state dance company that has an official partnership with its state symphony orchestra (West Australian Symphony Orchestra).