Robert Curran. Photography James Braund.
On Thursday 10 November 2011 Principal Artist Robert Curran announced his retirement from The Australian Ballet
He will perform for the last time during The Merry Widow season at Sydney Opera House; his final show will be on Saturday 26 November 2011 at 7.30pm.
This year marks Robert’s 16th anniversary with The Australian Ballet and his tenth as a principal artist in a career filled with onstage highlights.
Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet David McAllister said Curran would be remembered for leading the company in some of its most important and exciting performances.
“Robert’s star has shone brightly over The Australian Ballet in a career spanning 16 years. In 2011 he has soared across a range of roles, leaving the stage at his absolute peak,” said McAllister.
“A classic leading man, Robert has been an audience favourite and wooed nearly all of our leading ballerinas with his elegant dancing and extraordinary partnering. His role as the romantic hero Danilo in The Merry Widow is a fitting finale for an artist who will be remembered as one of the country’s finest dancers.”
Robert joined The Australian Ballet in 1996 and was promoted to principal artist in 2002.
In announcing his decision Robert said: “I feel so fortunate to have had my career with The Australian Ballet. I am so proud of this company and I will cherish every memory I have from the past 16years.”
“There was never going to be a good time for me to leave such a special place, only a right time. The time has arrived and I am looking forward to extending myself in order to continue to contribute to the arts in Australia beyond my dancing on the stage.”
Robert will perform his final shows at selected performances of The Merry Widow at Sydney Opera House, opening today 10 November and running until 28 November.
The Australian Ballet wishes Robert all the very best in his new endeavours.