The Australian Ballet launches free Ballet Under The Stars in NSW

The Australian Ballet launches free Ballet Under The Stars in NSWThe Australian Ballet has launched its annual outdoor community program, Ballet Under the Stars, which will be presented exclusively in Western Sydney over the next three years. This free event will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, on Saturday, November 5, and will include a special excerpt performance from the sold-out Sydney season of Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake.

 

Speaking at the announcement earlier this month, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the event has been secured for Western Sydney through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

 

“Performed against the backdrop of Penrith Lakes and the surrounding parklands, Ballet Under the Stars will be a spectacular cultural event that will attract visitors and showcase the Penrith region,” Ayres said. “This community performance is a major highlight of The Australian Ballet’s annual calendar and will be a major drawcard for visitors who are expected to inject over $1.3 million into the local visitor economy during the next three years.”

 

The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Libby Christie said, “Our free community outdoor performance is a highlight of the company’s yearly program, enabling people of all ages to experience world-class ballet, some for the first time. As Australia’s national ballet company, we are committed to reaching audiences all around Australia and giving them the opportunity to experience the transformative power of ballet.”

 

The performance will include highlights from the company’s repertoire, including Act II of the recently sold-out Sydney season of Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake.

 

“This event provides people of all ages with a high-quality arts experience and for some, their first opportunity to access a world-class ballet performance,” Christie added.

 

The Australian Ballet exists with a purpose and mission to inspire, delight and challenge audiences through the power of its performances, as well as a commitment to reaching audiences across all parts of Australia and the world. This will be the company’s 39th outdoor performance in its 53-year history.

 

Pre-registration for Ballet Under The Stars is now open. Gates open at 4 pm for a 7:30 pm performance. Visit australianballet.com.au for further information.

 

Photo: Jessica Wood, Kelsey Stokes, Melody Martin and Emma McFarlane. Photo by Daniel Boud.