The Australian Ballet School’s debut season in Brisbane was a landmark moment - not only for our students, but for the broader dance community. Held at QUT Gardens Theatre, the NOW program brought together a compelling mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary innovation, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of ballet through the artistry of our pre-professional dancers.
From the first performance to the final bow, our students demonstrated remarkable discipline, creativity, and presence, and the results were nothing short of exceptional.
La Bayadère: Entrance of the Shades
Choreography: Marius Petipa. Restaged by Joanne Michel and Irina Konstantinova
Entrance of the Shades from La Bayadère offered a moment of pure classical beauty. The dancers delivered a performance marked by precision, poise, and unity — a true showcase of line, control, and classical technique
La Bayadere: Entrances of the Shades. The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Echoes in Motion
Choreography: Kevin Jackson
Performed by an all-male cast, Echoes in Motion was a deeply personal work exploring the journey of a male dancer — from aspiration to achievement. Choreographed by former Principal Artist Kevin Jackson, the piece resonated with authenticity and emotional weight, offering a powerful close to the program.
Echoes in Motion by Kevin Jackson. The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
A Dream Story
Choreography: Lucas Jervies
Lucas Jervies’ A Dream Story brought a contemporary edge to the program. With its surreal imagery and emotionally charged movement, the work explored themes of transformation and imagination. The dancers embraced its abstract language with confidence, revealing their versatility and depth as emerging artists
A Dream Story by Lucas Jervies. The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Otherwhere
Choreography: Kevin Jackson
Otherwhere brought a surge of contemporary energy to the stage. The piece explored transformation and imagination through shifting shapes and surreal imagery.
Otherwhere by Kevin Jackson. The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Lyra
Choreography: Prue Lang
A striking fusion of classical and contemporary styles, Lyra featured bold movement and vivid staging. Prue Lang’s choreography challenged the dancers to move with both strength and sensitivity, and they responded with compelling performances that highlighted their individuality and cohesion as an ensemble
Lyra by Prue Lang. The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Scotch Symphony
Choreography: George Balanchine
Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony closed the program with grandeur and technical finesse. Known for its sweeping musicality and intricate formations, this ballet is rarely performed outside of major companies — making its inclusion a testament to the trust placed in our dancers by the Balanchine Trust. If you would like to see it, the iconic piece will be performed again at our Summer Season shows!
Scotch Symphony. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
To our audiences — thank you for welcoming us so warmly. Your presence and support made this debut season truly memorable. And to our students: your commitment, courage, and artistry continue to inspire.
Back to Ballet Matters