The Australian Ballet is set to perform in Horsham on February 21, 2025, transforming the City Oval into an outdoor theatre for an enchanting evening of dance. This event, titled Ballet Under the Stars, offers a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to experience Australia’s national ballet company in a unique setting, free of charge.
The program promises a delightful mix of classic favorites and contemporary works, designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Alongside the main performance, local high school students will participate in a curtain-raiser, showcasing their talents and engaging the community. The Company’s Education and Outreach Team will also host several workshops, including Dancing Stories for ages 3-5, Adult Ballet for those aged 18 and older, and Seniors Ballet for attendees 60 and above, ensuring that ballet enthusiasts of all generations can experience the magic of dance.
The evening’s performance will commence with the enchanting The Sleeping Beauty Act III Polonaise and Grand Pas, followed by the mesmerizing Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadère. The program will also feature the impressive Grand Pas Classique, showcasing the dancers’ remarkable athleticism. The fiery energy of Flames of Paris and the anticipated return of Grande Tarantella are sure to captivate ballet lovers. Additionally, the Australian premiere of Marco Goecke’s duet Morpheus’ Dream, with music by Lady Gaga and Keith Jarrett, will add a contemporary flair to the lineup.
Notably, the event also highlights the commitment of the Australian Ballet to nurturing new talent, with a world premiere by Yuiko Masukawa, recipient of the 2023 Telstra Emerging Choreographer award. Audiences will also have the chance to see the dancers warm up on stage before the performance, providing an intimate glimpse into the preparation behind the scenes.
“This is an amazing opportunity for everyone in our municipality and beyond to see these astounding performers beneath the summer sky at our own Recreation Reserve,” said Mayor Cr Brian Klowss. He emphasized the significance of hosting the national ballet company and welcomed visitors from across the region to join in this special event.
Artistic Director David Hallberg expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Ballet Under the Stars to Horsham, noting that it is the furthest the program has traveled in Victoria. “There’s something uniquely special about seeing the Company perform outdoors,” he remarked. Hallberg believes the program showcases the breadth of the Company, presenting thrilling and beautiful works that resonate equally in regional settings.
The event has received support from the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos stated, “A free, world-class performance is a pretty special way to showcase Western Victoria,” highlighting the positive impact such events have on local businesses and tourism.
Gates for the event will open at 16:45, with pre-show entertainment starting at 17:30. The main performance is scheduled to begin at 19:45. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic or purchase food and drinks from onsite food trucks. While attendance is free, bookings are required to secure a spot.
For more details about this exciting event, visit the Australian Ballet website at [https://australianballet.com.au/performances/ballet-under-the-stars](https://australianballet.com.au/performances/ballet-under-the-stars).
