Queensland Ballet Celebrates Three New Works: Bespoke

Now in its seventh year, Bespoke promises to captivate audiences with a trio of dynamic performances crafted by acclaimed local and international choreographers.

Contributing their unique choreographic perspectives to this year’s Bespoke are the exceptionally talented Katina Olsen, Milena Sidorova, and Jack Lister.

Milena Sidorova, an award-winning Ukrainian-Dutch choreographer, and Young Creative Associate at the Dutch National Ballet, adds her own unique international flair to the line-up.

She said creating work is a spiritual experience for her.

“I was mesmerized by the behaviour of Birds of Paradise, and I wanted to translate their behaviour into our human quest for love and connection.

“The audience can expect colourful imagery, and I hope they will also be able to resonate with their own human experiences,” she said.

Meanwhile, Australian choreographer and Associate Artistic Director of Australasian Dance Collective Jack Lister, acclaimed for his mainstage works for Queensland Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Australasian Dance Collective, collaborates with composer Louis Frere-Harvey to create a new work for Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists.

He said as a work, Papillion is a vehicle to hold a myriad of emotional states.

“It gives me license to inject equal parts intimacy as energy. It is as quiet as it is loud, bright as it is dark, but really does feel like it flourishes and disappears, rapidly, just as a butterfly does.

“Retrospectively, it’s nice to see how the concept of inner child has manifested itself into metamorphosis of a butterfly. The Tower of Babel touch point has given rise to the use of speech within the work, and the teddy bear suits have been reimagined into highly textural costuming,” he said.

Making her Queensland Ballet debut, Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri choreographer Katina Olsen brings her extensive career, spanning from Bangarra Dance Theatre and the strength of her own independent choreographic career. Katina collaborates with composers Sean O’Boyle and Chris Williams and musicians from Southern Cross Soloists to tell the powerful story of Aunty Maureen Williams.

Queensland Ballet Executive Director Craig Cathcart expressed excitement for the upcoming season.

"Bespoke continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance and the development of new work. This year we collaborate with such exceptional choreographers and composers and promise to deliver an unforgettable experience for this 7th season,” he said.

A thought echoed by Young Artist, Annabelle McCoy, who is working on the season.

“I think the best part of this season is the diversity of style. The three pieces demonstrate such a variety of contemporary movement which is really exciting to see and such a great program,” she said.

Bespoke is set to ignite the senses and redefine the expectations of contemporary dance, promising an unforgettable evening of artistic brilliance with Queensland Ballet.