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MELBOURNE COMPANY, INTENTION AND DESIRE 2016 Donors 2016

We give our special thanks to

Diamond membership $1000 - $2500 Leonie Anderson Lyne Sedgman Michael Barrington Kerrie Whitla Rob Wyllie Naida Atkins Jo Atkins Alan Atkins Richard Hoy

Platinum membership $500 - $999 Antonia Leonardi Anonymous Anonymous

Gold membership $200 - $499 Andrew Coles Anonymous

Silver Membership $100 - $199 Colleen Bryce Anonymous Anonymous

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Intention and Desire is a journey through Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica”. While The Veil of Maya is focussed on the idea of reality described by Picasso in Guernica (realistic space and characters in a disturbing atmosphere of chaos) while the Empyrean attempts to unveil the concept of the ‘light globe’, hope rips the veil! In the final program titled Guernica the two concepts come together: in an attempt to unveil the complete meaning of the painting through the narrative of the 1937 bombing of Guernica, with added inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

INTENTION transforms your quantum information and energy into what you put your ATTENTION on by organizing it using infinite correlations until you are able to manifest your desires!

2016 will see the ’s ninth year of operations and in many ways the concept behind Intention and Desire reflects the Company’s creative process since its inception.

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About Intention and Desire THE VEIL OF MAYA ... illusion over reality This year’s Intention and Desire program, created by MBC’s Choreographer Simon Hoy, will feature no less than seven new works The first part of the Intention and Desire trilogy from some of ’s foremost choreographers. Timothy Harbour, explores the concept of illusion versus reality Lucas Jervies, Rani Luther, Timothy Podesta, MBC dancer Alexander focussing on the more disturbing aspects Baden Bryce, as well as the work of Hoy, come together to present what of Picasso’s work. The Veil is a confronting promises to be a stellar season. This Premier Melbourne Season can illusion which can obscure human perception be envisaged as a trilogy, embodying quite unique creative expression of reality – what exists and what does not. together with much choreographic diversity. Each individual program For many who believe that in love we find is positioned around the central theme, so that each successive program completeness – such a delusion is regrettable adds a new chapter to the overarching concept – ‘Intention and Desire’ – blinding us into falling in love. The opening which takes inspiration from Pablo Picasso’s master work – Guernica. ‘chapter’ of the trilogy ‘Intention and Desire’ While individual programs stand alone, they can also be seen as presents a reflection of this distorted world components of the complete Melbourne season. clouded by disturbing shadows.

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The Veil of Maya Variations of Ease By Timothy Podesta Performance Dates Music by Valgeir Sigurdsson

4 March: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne 7:30pm When approached to create this new work for MBC'S opening season 6 March: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne 2:00pm I had just heard how the company was being positioned in 2016 and 11 March: The Alex Theatre, Melbourne 7:30pm beyond and wanted to design a work that showed the breath of fresh air 12 March: The Alex Theatre, Melbourne 2:00pm that MBC is for Melbourne audiences. 12 March: The Alex Theatre, Melbourne 7:30pm I have had the pleasure of working with the MBC dancers before: they Choreographers: Lucas Jervies, Alexander Baden, all have wonderful classical techniques that are matched by a grounded, Timothy Podesta. earthy modern base and an openness to expand and participate in my innovative intentions as a choreographer. Music: Valgeir Sigurdsson, Helter Smelter, Max Richter, Adam Ster. The work is titled 'Variations of ease' and is designed about creating a big ballet feel and intensity but with a more tactile, palpable openness that the audience can feel and experience. I am excited to be working with MBC again! Notes from the Choreographers Artifice Four Ballet By Alexander Baden Bryce By Lucas Jervies Music by Max Richter, Ludovico Einaudi Music by Adam Ster The process for the creation of this new work - ‘ARTIFICE’ - for With each new ballet I have created since graduating Melbourne Ballet Company’s Season of ‘The Veil of Maya’ takes on from School in 1998, I’ve board several unique characteristics. As a project-based company with worked to expand my understanding of the art limited resources, a strong process of collaboration between dancer and form’s capacity. This exploration has led me to choreographer has been implemented. I believe this allows the dancers a holistic approach in the studio; a process that to have a strong voice in the movement language created for the work, encourages a keener awareness of both mind and allowing their bodies to reach their greatest end potential. A series of body, forcing the artist to be an active thinker tasks has been created to be completed by the dancers, creating new through performance. This synergy between the and original movement phrases ranging from simple directives to emotional and physical, the internal and external, more obscure parameters. The creative development period included helped us discover psychological objectives through strong use of contact and structured improvisation. Improvisational physical states of being. Exploring the subjective techniques are more often used in a contemporary work and and objective simultaneously allows for a very I have employed these techniques to fuse more accessibility into the productive methodology: collectively we created work for a modern day audience. Music is at the heart of every ballet four separate spatial situations that encouraged and using a combined score from artists such as Max Richter and conflicting relationships to occur between the body Ludovico Einaudi, soaring violins and beautiful melodies drive the and, or inanimate objects. These situations produce pace of the work. I have been very interested in finding new ways to beautiful, detailed sequences of movement, which push classical ballet back into the heart of the community and have are innately tied to a strong emotional objective. searched for as many ways as possible to push and extend typical ballet Four Ballet is made from and for my love of ballet. lines to their end limits. The audience will recognize ballet vocabulary Its fast-paced state of apparent emotional catharsis within the work, but they will also be able to see the flair and grace of through physical expression is a paradox; it relies a more hybrid contemporary ballet piece. Since becoming a member utterly on the fundamentals and discipline of the of the Melbourne Ballet Company in 2011 I have had the opportunity classical ballet technique, and yet is derived from the to perform many original by Simon Hoy, whilst also working ineffable nuance of emotion. under the direction of Daniel Jaber at Leigh Warren and Dancers. Both Hoy and Jaber have profoundly influenced my current choreographic style. Working with such classically inspired choreographers I have been able to develop an athletic yet joyous outlook on what contemporary ballet can become whilst still remaining true to the art of ballet. The work has the same dance literacy, technique and finesse that the Melbourne Ballet Company have become so well known for.

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EMPYREAN Illuminate ... an intellectual light full of love By Rani Luther Music by In the second ‘chapter’ of this trilogy we explore the concept of Empyrean: outer sky, closest to purity and Having worked with the Melbourne Ballet Company unconditional love. In stark contrast to the first part of since 2008 both as a principal dancer and also rehearsal the trilogy, our second program focuses on all the positive director, i am now thrilled to be creating a new work for the elements of Picasso’s masterpiece: it represents a world “Empyrean” season. This unique and important company reigned over by harmony and light, and surrounds us with a performs outstanding works all over Australia and abroad. feeling of bliss in contrast to the prior anguish of illusion. With choreographers and dancers of world class standard, combining fierce classical technique with bold innovative Empyrean contemporary style, this company showcase a beautiful repertoire of dance that reaches a broad range of audiences. Performance Dates The artistic leader and resident choreographer, Simon Hoy, 17 June: The Alex Theatre, Melbourne 7:30pm has nurtured and facilitated the growth of this incredible 18 June: The Alex Theatre, Melbourne 7:30pm company and it gives me great pleasure to be asked to Choreographers: Timothy Harbour, Rani Luther, Simon Hoy. choreograph for the Melbourne Ballet Company. Music: Vladimir Martynov, Ludovico Einaudi, Ólafur Arnalds, Max Richter. After an eighteen year career dancing in companies such as the Netherlands Dance Theatre, The Australian Ballet Notes from the Choreographers Company, Sydney Dance Company and The Melbourne Ballet Company, I draw from all my experiences in seeing, Zealots dancing and creating classical and Timothy Harbour in order to develop a language of my own. My style of Music by John Adams movement relies strongly on the aesthetic beauty of classical In this dance I have kept the dancers from touching but not ballet technique while trying to push the limits through apart. So, there is no partnering, no manipulation of each contemporary movement and line so that flow and freedom other’s bodies. There is the opportunity to see each dancers can exist. Inspiration comes from the wide range of styles contribution to the whole in a distinct way. and I have performed and been exposed to throughout my life. The title comes from observing the dancers during our rehearsals. Dancing together, they forget everything except When creating my ballet “Illuminate”, much time was each other, the design of the steps and a shared organization spent brainstorming over the ideas and concepts of the of time. Zealotry - fanatical commitment and belief - this word Empyrean, which suggested harmony, light, source describes them and their relationship to the movement. of unconditional love and the highest realm before heaven. Page 4 INTENTION DESIRE&

When searching for music I could not go past the unearthly and been thought of as a ‘hard sell’ for regional audiences in Australia. mesmerising beauty of Philip Glass. For me music is the most Yet despite this, after eight years of hard work we have built strong important foundation of any ballet, as all movement stems from audiences throughout Australia - and beyond. this. It must stir and evolve emotion that words cannot express. Our seasons have grown so that by 2009 our Company included In Philip Glass’s Etude No.16 and Tirol Concerto for Piano and dancers from the Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, Paris Orchestra: II, I could see the steps coming to life in my mind. Opera, Nederland Dans Theatre, and the Illusions of bodies forming an extra dimension to the music – virtually all of whom were drawn to us by the pulled at my hear stings and I knew this music was the perfect quality of our work. Due in no small part to these many wonderful choice. artists, since 2007 MBC has developed a repertoire of contemporary “Illuminate” explores the idea that heaven is there to be found ballet that is both unique and well received by audiences and critics within all of us on both a minute level or in the unmeasurable throughout Australia. Our repertoire is also crafted so that we infinite power of the whole universe. There is darkness from manage – necessarily - to keep within the available budget! So now which a burning element of fire can exist. This mimics the MBC is a Company of nine acclaimed dancers. human state where noise, unhappiness, distraction and disease TheIntention and Desire trilogy results from a continuous process all consume our mind and body but can possibly subside when of research and development within the Melbourne Ballet Company true purity of being is present. There is always yearning to reach – in this way the Company has taken inspiration from Picasso’s the source of light and creation, the pure light within us all. masterpiece “Guernica”. This famous mural belongs to the art movement of “Surrealism” (1937) in which Picasso reaches a virtual The two movements of “Illuminate” take us on a journey climax after several previous quite different earlier art tendencies through ones life, where frustration and clutter give way to of his life such us the “Blue Period”, “Rose Period” and “Cubism”. peace and harmony when the soul is illuminated by the light. Thus the masterwork Guernica totally captured Melbourne Ballet The movements i have created range from angular and quick Company’s imagination, especially as “Guernica” can be seen as the footed to airy, soft and flowing. The pas de deux sections response to very many diverse art influences. throughout the ballet depict both the struggle of human relationships through striking and aggressive steps, to the Some technical detail: in this program MBC will be working romantic style representing love and blissful joy with sweeping with several internationally established choreographers from jumps, turns and grand port de bras. diverse artistic backgrounds: Our challenge here is to redefine the Company’s already successful identity and artistic growth through Like the morning sky illuminated by the glowing sun, or a presentation of a unique new season where diverse aspects of shining star illuminating the night sky; light always defeats contemporary dance are juxtaposed then merged as if they were darkness and love conquers all! pieces of a puzzle belonging to a single image!

Lucidity A further reason why MBC is fascinated by Picasso’s Guernica is By Simon Hoy the presence of a message of light in between the dramatics tones Music by Ólafur Arnalds, Max Richter of grey: the woman holding the lamp symbolises hope amid the suffering and destruction after the catastrophic bombing of the Graduating from the Australian Ballet School in 1998 I travelled town of Guernica. to and was employed by a number of very highly This is also one further aspect of Picasso’s work with which MBC regarded ballet companies in Europe and America for over nine likes to associate itself: Since its launch in 2007 the Company’s years. During this time I enjoyed both accelerated progress as a principal aim has always been to give audiences a joyful experience dancer and had the good fortune to work closely with a number through the realisation of programs like “In Paradisum”, “Infinite of the most influential choreographers and directors of our time. Space” and currently “Lucidity”. It was during this intensive period I first developed a passion for creating new work. On my return in 2007 Alisa Finney asked me Lucidity – meaning to be clear in yourself; decide where to go, and to assist her in opening the Melbourne Ballet Company (MBC) then go there! When you live by clear intentions, there are few limits as their Resident Choreographer and we launched the Company to the rewards that life can bring ... in June that year. I am currently a Director and Resident This work, is a journey through four movements; Choreographer. One of the key reasons for starting MBC was 1. limpidity - transmitting light without distortion; to generate more opportunities for dancers in Australia, as well 2. pellucidity - being understandable and free from obscurity - clear as to offer audiences a new and different experience of ballet – and comprehensible; and indeed this is still our mission. So from the very beginning 3. clarity - showing a clearness like the clarity of water flowing in a MBC took care to employ qualified professional dancers with mountain stream like a lovely singing voice - clear and pure. strong credentials and also worked very hard to develop a unique 4. lucidity - “The virtue of rationality - the recognition and style of ballet. Importantly - since its 2007 launch, MBC has acceptance of reason as one's only source of knowledge, one's always presented original work, some of which might then have only judge of values and one's only guide to action...” Ayn Rand.

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GUERNICA ... a story of humanity

The third and final ‘chapter’ is Guernica which completes the trilogy using an original story inspired by Picasso’s masterpiece and also drawing on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In this finale to our series, the Veil of Maya and Empyrean join together to form a unique story, where hatred, regret, and ignorance are seen to lose the battle against a level of love that transcends human powers: a love that, despite the Veil, can reach the Empyrean!

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Guerica

Performance Dates 21 July: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne 7:30pm 24 July: Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne 7:30pm

Choreographers: Simon Hoy Music: Ludovico Einaudi, Steve Anderson, Jóhann Jóhannsson

Notes from the Choreographers

Guernica By Simon Hoy Music: Ludovico Einaudi, Steve Anderson, Jóhann Jóhannsson

Guernica is the third and final chapter of the trilogy Intention and Desire after The Veil of Maya and Empyrean. The title of the program comes from the idea that the Company can express a unique and unified concept to be seen in several aspects drawn from differing interpretations of Picasso’s masterpiece, starting in The Veil of Maya and only finding resolution in the last program. Those three programs are therefore inter-connected The first two chapters represent abstract aspects such as Schopenhauer’s theme of illusion in Veil of Maya, and an atmosphere of harmony and light in Empyrean. Guernica finally sees the two previous viewpoints coming together in an original and compelling narrative whose final resolution is a message of joy and hope.

The narrative is set in the Spanish town of Guernica, which was bombed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. It was carried out at the behest of the Spanish nationalist government by its allies, the German Air Force’s Condor Legion and the Italian Legionary Aviation, under the code name Operation Rügen.

In this atmosphere of destruction and sense of fear, when the darkness takes over, two young characters find the light in their hearts: a wonderful love story, inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which becomes the fulcrum of this narration. With the illusion of being able to deal with the TICKET PRICES Veil of Maya dark reality that surround them, the two lovers believe that Empyrean the feeling of bliss found in their love can win out against Guernica this evident human cruelty. In the meantime, outside the narrative, Picasso’s Guernica takes increasingly shape until Full: $40 we reach the completion of the work, which marks the end of Concession: $34 this compelling love story. 16 and under: $29

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Touring Programs 2016

ARCHè … the principle from which all things arise (based on Swan Lake)

Touring throughout Australia and New Zealand Concept: Simon Hoy Choreographers: Simon Hoy, Timothy Podesta

Archè is an innovative production that takes its inspiration primarily from the age-old classic, Swan Lake. Archè explores and embraces much of the original narrative and some of the classical repertoire. Director Simon Hoy has structured this work to reflect his unique choreographic style and has linked this with a powerful musical score comprising music excerpts drawn from Tchaikovsky, Einaudi, Arnalds, Morricone, Jean-renaud and Elgar. The end result is an emotionally charged production which has already received extremely positive critical acclaim and is suitable for audience everywhere.

DIVENIRE … to become

Touring throughout Australia Choreographer: Simon Hoy Music: Ludovico Einaudi, Ólafur Arnalds

Divenire is a striking presentation of precision and impressive athleticism featuring four works created by Director Simon Hoy together with dance-maker Tim Podesta - also with international credentials. This work has already toured successfully within Australia. While the beauty of classical ballet and related works is driven by a narrative or message, this program sets out to push the boundaries of the genre further, while at the same time revealing some of the great strength and versatility that Melbourne Ballet Company has become known for – set to the music of Ludovico Einaudi.

REVIEWS

“Paired with romantic and emotive musical choices, Hoy's choreography is highly decorative, drawing on classical vocabulary and peppered with whimsical gestures as well as leggy partnering work and lifts.” SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

“...Essential and compelling viewing.” THE HERALD SUN

“Hoy’s choreography allows his talented cast scope for the expressive upper body arcs, gorgeous extensions, and soaring lifts that make watching (and performing) ballet a joyful experience” THE AGE Page 8 INTENTION DESIRE&

"A joyful experience!" WORKSHOPS THE AGE As part of the 2016 touring schedule, MBC will be giving ”I came out of this performance feeling uplifted" over 50 Masterclasses throughout Australia. Our workshops and Masterclasses have also been designed to be accessible to DANCE AUSTRALIA people of all ages and levels of experience. The Company also collaborates with venues and local schools across Australia "a program of thoroughly enjoyable contemporary ballet." to assess the level of demand and caters to each community DANCE AUSTRALIA accordingly. For example, many locations have established dance schools with senior students and teachers who can "The Melbourne Ballet Company can boast not only a cast of benefit greatly from our masterclasses in contemporary proficient performers, but a resident choreographer in Simon and classical techniques, and also from our choreographic Hoy whose movement signature is lyrical, generous, and workshops which provide an opportunity to experience new optimistic - somewhat reflective of the buoyant spirit of this and innovative dance techniques. Students are given the young contemporary ballet company." opportunity to be taught by some of Australia's foremost THE AGE artists and teachers, and to learn current repertoire, gaining further performance appreciation - this strategy has proved "Equisite is the only word to describe Melbourne Ballet also to increase audience numbers. Company's latest production Archè!" MBC also has an extensive junior program which has THE MELBOURNE OBSERVER achieved much success across Australia. Our Fairy Ballet classes are especially popular with very young children: “Ballet fanatics or not, this piece would suit all audiences. A children may come dressed as a fairy, a princess, a stunning performance by all.” DANCETRAIN prince or ballerina and be taught by a MBC dancer in a dance class incorporating basic classical ballet positions, locomotion “Effortless lifts and transitions from classical to contemporary work, mime and improvisation. choreography were expertly executed by this troupe of adept dancers, and the stage presence and pure happiness shown in MBC In Association with the the performance was truly joyful.” Hawthorn Arts Centre

THE AGE MBC is also very proud to be based MELBOURNE BALLET LAB SHARING SERIES at the recently redeveloped Throughout 2016 the Melbourne Ballet Company plans Hawthorn Arts to conduct a series of conversations with you the audience Centre. The members. Melbourne Ballet Company wishes to know more Hawthorn Arts about what you love to see so during 2016 we plan to give you Centre is a heritage- the opportunity to meet with members of our creative team listed building to engage in conversations and share your thoughts on where that embodies you think is going in general and how both elegance and Melbourne Ballet in particular can best direct our energies to grandeur, with an present for you more of what you want. intriguing mix of contemporary and This Lab Sharing Series will be held at our wonderful traditional design - headquarters now at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, where you which is a good fit for will meet with choreographers, directors, musicians and MBC as the Company our wonderfully talented dancers. So don't miss this unique is both steeped in opportunity where you as audience members can become tradition but also mixed with a strong sense of innovation. more involved in 'curating' what you would like to see. Since 2014, MBC and the Hawthorn Arts Centre have worked in partnership to produce three programs - Divenire, Lucidity and Archè. MBC is keen to further develop this relationship in 2016 - and indeed to further establish the Hawthorn Arts Centre as our ‘home’ theatre in Melbourne.

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DIRECTORS ninth year of operation, and after many successful performance seasons nationally and internationally, Alisa looks forward to the Simon Hoy - Director and Resident Choreographer Melbourne Ballet Company’s continued success in 2016. Simon has been Resident Choreographer of MBC since his DANCERS OF MBC return from in 2007 and from 2011 Artistic Director Kristy Lee Denovan - Kristy was born in Melbourne where of the Company on tour. Accepted at age 16 into the Australian she started ballet at the age of 6 at Vivienne’s Academy of Ballet School by then Director Gaylene Stock AM, Simon Ballet, and from then on knew that ballet would be her life. graduated in 1997 with the Advanced Diploma in Dance. A She was accepted into The Australian Ballet School in 2006, professional dancer since 1998, he first worked in Europe as and received many scholarships during her three years there. soloist undertaking principal roles with Ballet Graz in Austria, In her graduation year 2008 Kristy was chosen to represent the Ballet Mainz in Germany, Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark and School and Australia at the prestigious Prix De Lausanne in (USA), before joining Cedar Lake Contemporary Switzerland, where she was awarded a prize. In 2009 she joined Ballet in New York. Simon has toured and guested throughout The Australian Ballet performing in many ballets including the , Europe and Asia and benefited from working Les Sylphides, Stanton Welch’s Sleeping Beauty and Divergence, with many outstanding teachers and choreographers, including ’s Nutcracker, Petrouchka, and Romeo and Juliet, Wilhelm Burmann, Adam Luders, Johnny Eliason, Hans Van Alexei Ratmansky’s La Schoula, Suite En Blanc, The Silver Rose, Manen, Nils Christe, Peter Schaufuss, Darrell Tolone, Peter Coppelia, Don Quixote, Graeme Murphy’s Romeo and Juliet, Brauer, Martin Schlapfer, Donald Mahler, and Robert Weiss. He Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly, Checkmate, Beyond Bach, also performed works by , Frederick Ashton, and The Merry Widow as well as many Galas around the world and John Cranko. from Rome to Colombia. Kristy has been with Melbourne Ballet Simon also played a leading role in the renaissance of the Company since 2013 and has already performed many of the Company’s signature pieces as a Principal Artist. Melbourne Ballet Company as its Tour Director and Resident Choreographer, and has so far created 17 new works for the Alexander Baden Bryce - Alexander trained at the Anne Fraser Company including: Above Water, Tuscany, In Paradisum, In School of Dance on the Sunshine Coast Queensland for nine One Day, Submerged, Drenched, Stuck In Perpetual Motion, ... years, before being accepted into the Queensland University and more recently Placement, Infinite Space, Motion Transcend, of Technology (QUT). Studying classical ballet from a young On Air, Dark Before Daylight, Phrased Without Words, age, Alexander completed the RAD Advanced 2 syllabus Horizon Variation, Divenire, Lucidity, Agape, Archè. He also graduating Dux with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). In 2009 choreographed Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas for the Victorian he was awarded a scholarship to Taipei International Dance College of the Arts, under the musical direction of Richard Gill. Elite Academy in Taiwan. Alexander has worked with many In recent years he has worked internationally with Quorum internationally renowned choreographers including Harold Ballet in Lisbon, and directed the Rosenberg Ball in St Gallen, Collins MBE, Paul White, Lisa Griffiths, Daniel Jaber, Shaaron Switzerland. As MBC’s Tour Director since 2011 he has also Boughen, Csaba Buday and Paul Zivkovich, as well as Simon travelled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand with Hoy. Alex has been a proud member of the Melbourne Ballet the Company. Company since 2009.

Alisa Finney - Director Francesca Giangrasso - Francesca began dance aged 6 at Arteballetto Academie in Catania, Italy under Patrizia Perrone. Launched the Melbourne Ballet Company in 2007 with a vision While at Arteballedo she took part in many workshops by to create a world-class ballet company to support and showcase prominent choreographers, including those from the extensive talent of the Australian classical dance industry, and . At age 17 she was accepted at Ballet and also to offer a vehicle for emerging and established artists of Toscany, one of Italy’s most prestigious schools. Returning to to thrive and develop collectively. As Director of this emerging Sicily in 2008 Francesca was offered a contract with Massimo performing organisation, Alisa drew on her experience in Bellini Theatre where she stayed for four years. In 2012 Francesca marketing and business management, as well as considerable guested with the V. Emmanuel Theatre of Messina: later that year expertise in ballet training and dance administration – in was appointed assistant choreographer to MBC’s Simon Hoy at order to create an exciting and vibrant new artistic platform. the Institute auf dem Rosenberg, Switzerland. After her work A graduate of the Australian Ballet Schools Teachers Training in Switzerland, Francesca took up a scholarship at the Donlon Program and Principal of the Gay Wightman School of Ballet, Dance Company, Saarbrucken (Germany). In February 2013 she Alisa sits on several dance boards earning great respect within was accepted into the Melbourne Ballet Company and during the the industry for her ability to maintain the momentum of last three years Francesca has toured throughout Australia and a professional company both high in artistic integrity and performed several roles in the Company’s repertoire, including In demonstrably able to produce new work that continues to be One Day, Infinite Space, Divenire, Le Sacre du Printemps, Lucidity exciting and relevant to audiences. With the Company now in its and Archè.

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Johanna Lee - Johanna attended the Australian Ballet School from Barlo and Uwe Scholz - Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Chloe has also 2004 to 2006 graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Dance and is freelanced with Ajkun Ballet Theatre (NYC) and choreographers currently a full-time dancer with Melbourne Ballet Company. Since such as Adian Munn and Daniel Jaber. 2012 Johanna has performed in many programs and works by Simon Hoy including Le Sacre du Printemps, Infinite Space, On Air, Lucidity, Samuel Harnett- was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and first Archè, Motion Transcend, Divenire, Dark Before Daylight and also In began his classical training as a student of Christine Underdown, One Day by Hoy and Robert Kelly. Johanna has toured extensively having first been introduced to Ballet while he was still undergoing with the Company performing in many theatres throughout training as a nationally ranked gymnast. Australia. Johanna was a member of Sydney Dance Company (SDC) He then embarked upon an extensive period of training in dance, between 2007 and 2009, performing many roles including Connor including valuable time with the Australian Ballet School and Dowling’s duo Dreamt I was a Real Boy as part of the Sydney New subsequently with the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Breed Spring Dance Festival at the Sydney Opera House, Rafael Dance. Samuel has also had the good fortune to work with some Bonachela’s We Unfold at the Helpmann Awards and Bonachela’s highly talented choreographers, including Pompea Santoro, Kerry 360 as part of the Sydney Festival First Night (which also featured on Nicholls, Jackie Barrett and Leila McMillan. the hit TV series So You Think You Can Dance) and Aszure Barton’s Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade. While at SDC Johanna toured extensively His professional career began when Samuel joined Daniel Jaber and throughout Australia and New Zealand and has also danced in Opera Dancers, and he has since featured in many works by Jaber during Australia’s Melbourne Autumn season of Eugene Onegin and Aida, this part of his career. He has since had the opportunity to work choreographed by Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon. alongside some of Australia’s best dancers and regards himself as privileged to have worked with such outstanding dancers as Leigh Masha Peker - Born in Ukraine, Masha commenced her ballet Warren, Cyril Baldy, Jo Stone, Paul Malek, Natalie Allen, Kialea- training at the school of Shostakovich, after which time she relocated Nadine Williams and many others. to the United States for three years before settling in Melbourne Australia. Whilst in Australia Masha studied full time at the Beverley GUEST ARTISTS Rowles School of Dance followed by the Australian Conservatoire of Adam Thurlow - Born in Melbourne, Adam began his dance Ballet, under the Direction of Christine Walsh. Masha’s experience training with Lorraine Blackburn where he studied the Cecchetti includes a number of performing opportunities with the Melbourne ballet syllabus. He then furthered his ballet training at The Australian Ballet Company on their Australia New Zealand tour, Tachkin’s St Ballet School, graduating with honours and as the Dux of the school. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s Melbourne season of Swan Lake, Opera Australia, ACB’s Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Swan Lake, He then joined The Australian Ballet where he quickly rose through Paquita, Ritualism, Sleeping Beauty, and current performances with the ranks and became a Soloist within two years. Adam later was Melbourne Dance Theatre Giselle and Swan Lake. offered a position with the world renowned English National Ballet. He then joined the prestigious Opera National de Paris, becoming Charles Riddiford - Charles started ballet at the age of twelve at the the only Australian to do so. Adam then embarked on a freelance Regional Academy of Performing Arts in Wodonga, Victoria. In 2011 career where he travelled around the world guesting with companies he was accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance. During his and performing in gala performances. He was a regular guest time at the school he performed works by Paul Taylor and William principal artist with the emerging Melbourne Ballet Company. Forsythe, as well as receiving a travel scholarship to Canada and the USA. In 2013 he joined Canada’s as a trainee. Throughout his outstanding international career Adam has danced At the start of 2014 he left Canada to join as a most of the leading male classical repertoire including Swan Lake, Young Artist and was promoted to Company Dancer in 2015. Charles Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Coppelia, Cinderella and joined Melbourne Ballet Company in March of this year. many more. Adam worked and performed with some of the world’s leading dancers and artistic figures. He has performed in ballets from Chloe Henderson – Chloe joined the Melbourne Ballet Company in renowned choreographers such as Nureyev, MacMillan, Cranko, 2016. Born in South Africa, she trained first in South Africa before Bejart, Balanchine, Kylian, Forsythe, Robbins, Lander, Tetley, Bausch, joining the Robin Kirkland School of Ballet in Sydney. Chloe then Duato, Wheeldon to name a few. became a Junior Associate with the Australian Ballet School in 2001, which lead to her working with the Dancer’s Company tour of 2003 Adam enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience as teacher – performing in “The Nutcracker” and “Gift of a Dream”. She has and has taught at many leading dance schools such as the also trained with Terry Simpson Studios in Adelaide, danced with the Australian Academy for Classical Art, Cecchetti Society, Australian Salzburg Ballet, and subsequently completed her Advanced Diploma Conservatoire of Ballet, Ministry of Dance, and City Dance Centre, at WAAPA under the direction of Kim McCarthy. During her time he has also taught in local dance institutions inclusive of the School with WAAPA Chloe also danced with the West Australian Ballet in of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) and Guest Lecturer at Nanyang their seasons of Giselle and Romeo and Juliet. After her graduation, Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). Adam is a patron of Melbourne Chloe continued with WAB, then worked with Lucette Alduers (Don Academy of Arts.Leonardo Laurent Mancuso - Leonardo studied at Quixote), Marcia Haydee (Sleeping Beauty). Also Jiri Kilian- in Un La Scala Ballet School, Milan and has worked as a professional dancer

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at Teatro alla Scala, West Australian Ballet, Teatro dell'Opera di Morphoses. Tim will choreograph a new work for the Empyrean Roma, Theater Magdeburg, Germany, and has guested with Teatro season to premiere at the Drum Theatre in August. Maggio Musicale fiorentino and the Melbourne Ballet Company. Lucas Jervies will also present his first work for MBC, to premiere Michael Braun – Michael has had an outstanding career, literally next March. Lucas has produced works for many companies spanning the world. After completing his early training in Australia around the world (including Sydney Dance Company, Opera and commencing his professional dancing career initially in Australia, The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, West Australia and New Zealand, he then worked widely throughout Australian Ballet, , Milwaukee Ballet, Expressions the United States and Canada, then in Europe, South Africa and Dance Company, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Sydney Chamber in China. Michael was a principal artist both with the Queensland Opera, JACK Productions, Griffin Theatre Company, Hèrmes, Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and has also performed Buzz Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company Pre Professional principal roles with the West Australian Ballet, the South African Year, Korzo Theatre Den Haag, Noverre Society , Ballet Theatre and the Victorian State Ballet. CoDarts Rotterdam University for the Arts and The Australian Ballet School). Lucas will present new work for the Veil of Maya Michael has performed several works with the Melbourne Ballet season to premiere at the Hawthorn Arts Centre in March. Company including; Le Sacre du Printemps, On Air and Infinite Space, choreographed by Hoy. In the course of his career he has also Tim Podesta, a graduate of the Australian Ballet School, danced performed works by Forsythe, Dawson, Thoss, Neumeyer, Vamos, with numerous companies internationally before founding his Balanchine, Bejart, Killian, Cranko, Jorma Elo, and Macmillan. company: Tim Podesta + PROJECTion Dance in 2006. Tim’s productions have involved a range of leading dancers and GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS 2016 companies, including The Queensland Ballet, The Melbourne Tim Harbour will also produce his second ballet for MBC. Tim has Ballet Company, The , , Singapore had an illustrious career as a dancer and choreographer - as a dancer Dance Theatre, English National Ballet and the The Royal with Australian Ballet he performed many soloist and principal Ballet, for performances, festivals, film and television. Tim will roles, worked with Australian and international choreographers to choreograph a new work for MBC’s Empyrean season set to create new work and toured all over the world. Tim is currently the premiere at the Drum Theatre in August 2016. Resident Choreographer for the Australian Ballet. He has produced Rani Luther has had an illustrious career as a dancer in Europe works for The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, West Australian and Australia, working with many companies such as The Kiel Ballet and The Dancers Company, as well as Ballet’s Ballet, Germany, Netherlands Dance Theatre II, Netherlands Choreographic Institute and Christopher Wheeldon’s company Dance Theatre, The Australian Ballet Company, Sydney Dance Company and from 2008-2010 with The Melbourne Ballet Company. Rani has been fortunate to work with choreographers including Jiri Kylian, Nacho Duato, Hans Van Manan, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Paul Lightfoot, Yohan Inger, Matts Ek, Graeme Murphy, Stephan Baynes, Stanton Welch, Adrien Burnett, Edward Liang, Raphael Bonachelo and Simon Hoy. She has performed many classical and contemporary roles both old and new creations, as a group artist, soloist and principal. During her time with The Melbourne Ballet Company, many works were choreographed specifically for Rani by resident choreographer, Simon Hoy. Rani has worked jointly with Hoy on several productions and has also gone on to create several ballets of her own alongside teaching, coaching, adjudicating and staging works all since retiring from stage. 2016 will see her choreographic debut for MBC in the Empyrean season.

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2016 NATIONAL TOUR

MARCH JULY 4th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Veil of Maya Creative Development – Guernica 6th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC 2pm Veil of Maya 8th - The Q, Queanbeyan NSW - 8pm Divenire 11th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Veil of Maya 9th - The Q, Queanbeyan NSW - 2pm Divenire 12th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC 2pm Veil of Maya 9th - The Q, Queanbeyan NSW - 8pm Divenire 12th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Veil of Maya 16th - Wyndham Cultual Centre, VIC - 8pm Divenire 19th - Burrinja Arts Centre, Upway VIC 7:30pm Archè 21st - The Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Guernica 26th - April 17th USA TOUR 24th - The Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC 2pm Guernica APRIL 28th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm Archè 29th - Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT 29th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm Archè 10:30am Archè 30th - Horsham Town Hall Theatre, VIC - 8pm Archè 29th - Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT 8pm Archè AUGUST 10th - Empire Theatre, Toowoomba QLD - 7:30pm Archè MAY 11th - Byron Bay Community Centre NSW - 7:30pm Archè 17th – 18th Showcase Victoria 12th - Byron Bay Community Centre NSW - 7:30pm Archè 26th - Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford NSW - 7:30pm Archè 14th - Jetty Theatre Coffs Harbour, NSW - 2pm Archè 28th - Dubbo Regional Theatre NSW - 8pm Archè 14th - Jetty Theatre Coffs Harbour, NSW - 7:30pm Archè 19th - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm Archè JUNE 20th - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm Archè 2nd - The Drum Theatre, Dandenong VIC - 7:30pm Archè 21st - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm Archè 8th - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre NSW - 7:30pm Archè 9th - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre NSW - 11am Archè 17th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm Empyrean 18th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm Empyrean 18th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7.30pm Empyrean

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2014 NATIONAL TOUR 2015 NATIONAL TOUR

March January 28th - Whitehorse Entertainment Centre, Melbourne VIC Creative Development – Divenire 7:30pm Infinite Space 29th - Whitehorse Entertainment Centre, Melbourne VIC 29th - Summersalt Festival Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Infinite Space 7:30pm Divenire 30th - Summersalt Festival Melbourne, Melbourne VIC May 7:30pm Divenire Creative Development – Divenire 31st - Summersalt Festival Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Divenire June 10th - Venue 1, Blackwater QLD 7:30pm Infinite Space February 11th - Venue 1, Blackwater QLD 7:30pm Infinite Space 1st - Summersalt Festival Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 14th - Matthew Flinders Theatre, Sunshine Coast QLD 6pm Divenire

7:30 Infinite Space March 15th - Matthew Flinders Theatre, Sunshine Coast QLD Creative Development – Agape 7:30 Infinite Space 27th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC 20th - Byron Theatre, Byron Bay NSW 7:30pm Infinite Space 7:30pm Lucidity 21st - Byron Theatre, Byron Bay NSW 7:30pm Infinite Space 28th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC 28th - Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour NSW 7:30pm Lucidity 2pm and 7:30pm Infinite Space April July 11th - Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT 4th - Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree NSW 7pm Divenire 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps 5th - Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree NSW June 2pm and 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps Creative Development – Archè 12th - Bathurst Memorial and Entertainment Centre NSW July 7:30pm Infinite Space 8th - Portland Arts Centre, Portland VIC 7:30pm Divenire 15th - Laycock Street Community Theatre, Gosford NSW 17th - Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Archè 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps 19th - Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC 2pm Archè 16th - Laycock Street Community Theatre, Gosford NSW 25th - Burrinja Arts Centre, Upway VIC 7:30pm Divenire 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps 30th - Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay NSW 19th - Griffith Regional Theatre NSW 7:30pm Divenire 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps 31st - Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay NSW 25th - Riverlink Theatre, Shepparton VIC 7:30pm Divenire 7:30pm On Air - Le Sacre du Printemps August August 1st - Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Harbour NSW 2nd - Burringa Cultural Centre VIC 7:30pm Infinite Space 2pm/7:30pm Divenire 6th - Latrobe PAC, VIC 7:30pm Submerged 2nd - Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay NSW 29th - Hawthorn PAC, Melbourne VIC 7:30pm Divenire 7:30 Infinite Space - Le Sacre du Printemps 7th - Casula Powerhouse, Casula NSW 2pm/7:30pm Divenire 14th - Whitesundys Arts and Cultural Centre, Airlie Beach September QLD 7:30pm Divenire 11th - Castlemain Theatre, VIC 7:30pm Motion Transcend 15th - Whitesundys Arts and Cultural Centre, Airlie Beach QLD 7:30pm Divenire 20th - Auckland Live, Auckland NZ - 7:30pm Infinite Space 21st - Auckland Live, Auckland NZ - 7:30pm Infinite Space

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