The Australian Ballet School’s Summer Season was a remarkable weekend of ballet, celebrating the extraordinary talent, versatility, and dedication of our students. Across three outstanding performances at Arts Centre Melbourne, the entire School came together to showcase the growth of each student throughout the year, across all levels of training.
It was a privilege to present George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, David McAllister AC’s Garland Waltz, and beautiful new works by Paul Knobloch and our own Lucas Jervies. The season concluded with a special opportunity for students to perform excerpts from Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote.
Scotch Symphony
The evening opened with George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony. Featuring outstanding performances by our senior students, this work, rooted in the atmosphere and music of Scotland, demands an exceptional musical and technical standard. Our Level 7 and 8 students rose to the challenge, performing with confidence, energy, and artistry, powered by Balanchine’s romantic-era choreography and their unwavering dedication in rehearsal.
Garland Waltz
Our Level 6 dancers delighted audiences with their joyful performance of the Garland Waltz from David McAllister AC’s The Sleeping Beauty, originally choreographed for The Australian Ballet.
Always a joy to welcome into the studio, David worked closely with the students in the lead-up to the season, coaching them through this complex classical ensemble piece. The work demands musicality, line, coordination, and unity, brought to life through David’s care and guidance, alongside garlands of flowers, radiant smiles, and an infectious spirit.
Parade
In previous years, our performances have featured a Grand Défilé, providing the opportunity for the entire School to share the stage across year levels. Traditionally a highly classical presentation, this year contemporary teacher Lucas Jervies flipped the format on its head with Parade, a bold and contemporary take on the tradition.
Chorographed in collaboration with the students, the work highlighted their technical and creative development throughout the year. As the music builds, dancers progressively enter the stage, evolving from simple unison patterns into increasingly complex and individualised movement. Mesmerising for the audience, the work concludes with a powerful reminder of each dancer’s individuality and humanity.
Parade by Lucas Jervies. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Dvořák Divertissement
Our youngest dancers took centre stage in Paul Knobloch’s Dvořák Divertissement, inspired by the themes of Antonín Dvořák’s Prague Waltzes. Through meticulous choreography, precision, and vibrant energy, our Level 4 and 5 students captivated the audience, showcasing their growing classical movement vocabulary through intricate patterns and designs.
Dvořák Divertissement by Paul Knobloch. Performed by The Australian Ballet School. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Don Quixote Suite
The evening concluded with the unforgettable Don Quixote Suite, featuring some of the most spectacular excerpts from Rudolf Nureyev’s adaptation of Don Quixote, a Marius Petipa classic. In an historic milestone for the School, the students were honoured to perform with live music from Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Joel Bass, elevating the experience for both dancers and audience alike.
Don Quixote Suite by Rudolf Nureyev. Performed by The Australian Ballet School and Orchestra Victoria. 2025. Photo by Ellen Baxter
Our students also had the honour of wearing Barry Kay’s breathtaking costumes, generously provided by The Australian Ballet and made possible through the support of The Ballet Society Victoria. Performing with a live orchestra, learning to work with a conductor, and wearing professional costumes are invaluable experiences that support the growth, confidence, and artistry of our students.
We were also deeply honoured to welcome members of Nureyev’s original Australian cast, Christine Walsh AM, Marilyn Rowe OAM OBE, Graeme Hudson, Michela Kirkaldie, Leigh Rowles, and Leigh Warren, as well as current Principal Artist Ako Kondo. Their time in the studio, coaching and sharing lived experience, enriched rehearsals immeasurably. Passing knowledge between generations creates a living lineage, connecting our students to the history and legacy of this iconic work.
We could not be prouder of each and every student and we look forward to watching them continue to grow from strength to strength in 2026.
