The Australian Ballet School’s Summer Season brought the year to a close with a program that reflected both the depth of the School’s classical training and the range of contemporary experience offered to students. Performed at Arts Centre Melbourne, the season featured students across all year levels in a diverse range of works.
This season celebrated the joy of performance and the transformative power of training brought to life on stage. Our theme, Elevating Tradition Through Innovation, reflected our commitment to honouring ballet’s classical foundations while embracing creativity and contemporary expression.
Scotch Symphony
Scotch Symphony, featuring our senior students, opened the program. Following the success of the performances in Brisbane earlier in the year, the piece was brought to Melbourne. This was a significant milestone for the School, with the staging approved by The George Balanchine Trust - recognition of the students’ ability to meet the musical and technical standards required for a Balanchine work.
Scotch Symphony. Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Garland Waltz
David McAllister’s Garland Waltz followed, performed by our Level 6 dancers, who also had the opportunity to be coached by David McAllister AC himself. Drawn from Act I of The Sleeping Beauty, the work is a classical ensemble piece that focuses on musicality, line and coordination. With garlands of flowers, the dancers create structured patterns across the stage, emphasising unity and timing within the group.
Garlands by David McAlister AC. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Parade
Lucas Jervies’ Parade followed, offering a contemporary take on the traditional défilé. The work highlights the dancers’ technical and creative development, moving from simple unison patterns to more complex and individualised movement. At its heart, Parade celebrates the growth, curiosity and shared effort of the School’s students.
Parade draws directly from the end-of-year assessment classes, so the dancers already had a strong base to build from. The musical structure mirrors the curriculum itself, from Level 4 fundamental drills, through collaborative choreography and structured improvisation, into the advanced partnering of Levels 7 and 8. The arc of the score aligned beautifully with this educational journey.
Parade by Lucas Jervies. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Dvořák Divertissement
Paul Knobloch’s Dvořák Divertissement takes inspiration from the themes of Antonín Dvořák’s Prague Waltzes. The piece gave our Level 4 and 5 students the chance to explore phrasing, timing, and musical expression, bringing both energy and nuance to the stage.
Dvořák Divertissement by Paul Knobloch. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Don Quixote Suite
The program concluded with the Don Quixote Suite, featuring some of the most spectacular excerpts from Rudolf Nureyev’s adaptation of Marius Petipa’s classic. Performed live by Orchestra Victoria, the suite showcased both technical skill and theatrical flair.
Don Quixote Suite by Rudolf Nureyev. Performed by The Australian Ballet School and Orchestra Victoria. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
We are also honoured to acknowledge original Nureyev’s original cast—Christine Walsh AM, Marilyn Rowe OAM OBE, Graeme Hudson, Michela Kirkaldie, Leigh Rowles, and Leigh Warren—former artists of The Australian Ballet who spent time in our studios coaching and sharing their experiences during rehearsals. Passing on knowledge between generations is profoundly enriching and a privilege for all involved, creating a living lineage that connects our students to the history of this iconic work.
We extend our thanks to The Ballet Society Victoria, whose generous support has enabled students to perform in professional costumes, from The Australian Ballet, and work alongside Orchestra Victoria, gaining the invaluable experience of performing with live music. Their contribution continues to support the growth, confidence, and artistry of our students.
