Queensland Ballet offers guided Auslan tours of the historic, restored Thomas Dixon Centre

Led in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) by our guide who identifies as part of the d/Deaf community, visionary co-founder and CEO of Sign How, Sophie Li, the tours are also voiced by Auslan interpreters.

The initiative has already proven hugely popular with tickets for the first tour selling out in just 5 minutes.

Sophie said the tours are an excellent way for the d/Deaf community to engage with the world of theatre.

“Experiencing the vast and harmonious Talbot Theatre completely exposed is always a highlight for guests. People particularly love the stories I’m able to share like dancers flying into the wings, having to be caught by backstage crew, and learning the ballet “signs” including love, marry, and dance”.

Ms. Li has a particularly personal connection to the Thomas Dixon Centre. As the eldest child of former Queensland Ballet Artistic Director and Thomas Dixon Centre visionary Li Cunxin she witnessed Mr. Li’s dreams become reality when in 2019 the centre underwent a $62 million renovation to become a world-class arts and cultural destination for Brisbane.

“I’m honoured to still be part of Queensland Ballet and share in the magic that my father helped to build,” says Ms. Li, “I call dad after every tour to tell him how incredible it is to achieve something for the Australian arts in Queensland.”

Following the journey from army boots to ballet shoes, the tour uncovers the historic story of the iconic red brick building, starting its life as a boot and shoe factory designed by the ‘doyen’ of Brisbane architecture, Richard Gailey, also responsible for the Regatta and the Metro Building.

Attendees will learn how the building gained a second life as the perfect home for the Queensland Ballet. The exclusive access tour allows guests to discover new spaces including the Talbot Theatre, six dance studios, wellness suite, rooftop terrace, and executive gallery, enjoy public art, and learn about the building’s ethos with community, health and wellbeing at its heart.

A particular highlight for Ms. Li is introducing d/Deaf guests to the ever-evolving digital artwork by international art collective teamLab.

“For deaf people meditation can be challenging, without the aid of music or guided instruction it can feel dull while closing eyes. The teamLab installation, with its evocative and constantly unfolding images and colours, feels both transportive and tranquil and is an ideal place of deaf people to meditate with their eyes open”.

According to Queensland Ballet Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe, the Auslan tours represent Queensland Ballet’s commitment to creating inclusive and diverse experiences for the community.

“I am thrilled to welcome our d/Deaf community to Queensland Ballet’s vibrant and revitalised home, the Thomas Dixon Centre. We are excited to continue developing more unique, diverse and inclusive experiences for visitors, allowing us to spread the magic of ballet even further.”

In 2024, the Thomas Dixon Centre became the first performing arts organisation in the world to become WELL Certified™ at the Platinum level, recognising Queensland Ballet’s commitment to developing thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being.

This certification is aligned with Queensland Ballet’s Van Norton Li Community Health Institute which uses dance to enrich lives and positively impact the health and wellbeing of people throughout Queensland. The institutes programs include Dance for Parkinson’s, Ballet for Brain Injury, and Dance for Seniors.  

The next tour with Ms Li is on Sunday 24 November, 10-11:30am.

The tour will be led in Auslan with two Auslan interpreters voicing our Deaf guide, Sophie Li. If you do not know Auslan, you can hear through the two Auslan interpreters speaking for Sophie.