The Australian Ballet is a classical ballet company. This means that the ballets we perform are based on the classical ballet technique. Although this is still true, ballet is a living art form that is constantly growing and today’s choreographers often stretch the boundaries, making the movements look very different from what we know as traditional ballet. Just take a look at Jiri Kylian’s Sechs Tanze, a humorous ballet that pushes the dancer’s body beyond its familiar limits.
Nearly all choreographers look for new ways of using the classical ballet technique. They play around with the dancer’s physical abilities by distorting the line or extending a movement in order to portray their ideas and emotions. When ballets like The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake were choreographed over 100 years ago, their upright grandeur and sweeping port de bras were a change from the more romantic ballets like Giselle and La Sylphide, which were less heroic and softer in style.
And it continues today - different choreographers have distinctive styles, which often become their ‘signature’. Our resident choreographers are an example of three distinct choreographic voices. Stephen Baynes’ work is deeply moving and naturally musical. He seems to make seamless patterns and play between the group and the solo dancers. He also uses the classical technique in a way that is constantly fresh and exciting.
Stanton Welch is also wonderfully creative and has a big energetic style of choreography that always pushes the dancers into new territory both emotionally and physically. His pas de deux are acrobatic and death defying and wonderfully exhilarating for both the dancers and the audience.
Adrian Burnett is a choreographer whose ballets reflect the tempo and energy of Australia today. By working with contemporary music, design and themes he has produced works that are stimulating and entertaining. The dance style he favours is fast, brash and a challenge to the dancers.
Each of these three choreographers produces ballets that challenge and excite all who are involved.
