The Australian Ballet: Matthew Donnelly

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Matthew Donnelly

Born in New South Wales, Matthew trained in Newcastle before joining The Australian Ballet School. After graduating with honours in 1996, he was invited to join The Royal Danish Ballet, where he worked with some of the world's leading choreographers, including Maurice Béjart, who recreated a solo for him in Gaîté Parisienne. A memorable moment was performing Return to the Strange Land for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark in 1998. Matthew returned to The Australian Ballet in 1999. While enjoying the physical challenges of the contemporary works, classic storytelling is his passion. Matthew was promoted to soloist in 2005.

Repertoire highlights

Drosselmeyer in Peter Wright's The Nutcracker 2010
Dr Coppélius in Peggy van Praagh's Coppélia 2010
Stephen Baynes' Constant Variants 2007
Colas and Alain in Frederick Ashton's La Fille mal gardée 2004
Mercutio in John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet 2003
Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room 2002
Peter Martins Fearful Symmetries 1997

Guest appearances

The Dancers Company tour 2011

Awards

George Garrett scholarship 2010
Adeline Genée Awards, Silver Medal 1995
Asian Pacific International Ballet Competition, Silver Medal 1995
Adeline Genée Awards, Bronze Medal 1994

You may not know ...

Matthew has a keen interest in film and editing, and has produced work for the company's website and for use in performances.

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