Soirée to showcase three world premieres, inspired by Australian artist William Robinson AO

Celebrated choreographers Natalie Weir, Paul Boyd, and Louise Deleur join the line-up this year, showcasing new classical and neo-classical works, with live music by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, and Robinson’s art the source of inspiration. Previous artist collaborations have included Michael Zavros and Tim Storrier AM.

Paul Boyd, Resident Choreographer and Head of the Queensland Ballet Academy Upper School, said Soirée offers a chance to stretch his choreography skills and think outside the box.

“For me, Soirée allows me to step completely out of my comfort zone. It tests me as a choreographer,” Paul said.

“These ballets would never take place if it wasn’t for the art that drives every movement. As a choreographer we can become pigeon-holed, and I make a real attempt at not having my ballets look the same.”

Paul said they were given free range to choose which artworks of Robinson’s they were inspired by. He was captured by some of his etchings, including one of two people on a park bench (Feeding the birds 1977–78 etching 40 x 30cm).

“For some reason, I was immediately transported to Paris. And once I delved into Robinson’s life, I discovered he was influenced by the French masters, without me having any inkling of that. It was amazing. Then, once I decided on the French theme and after delving into (French composer) Maurice Ravel’s Chamber music, I knew I had the complimentary music to the artworks.”  

Queensland Ballet Resident Choreographer Natalie Weir chose seven paintings, including the evocative Creation landscape: The dome of space and time 2003/04 depicting an expanse of Australian forestry in a palette of green and violet.

“I love that painting. It’s a nature landscape and it’s like looking through a sphere to the future, past and present – sort of like morning, noon, and evening. It’s beautiful. I read this quote by the artist, ‘I don’t paint for any particular time – I just painted for the life we were passing through’. I loved this as a concept, and it has inspired the work,” Natalie said.

“Another one is Creation landscape – the ancient trees 1997 which feels very spiritual. The trees are all gnarly and I read the artist said that we pass through the landscape, but these trees have been there for hundreds or thousands of years. And I found that really inspiring - when you’re in a space like that you can almost feel the past. And so, the women in that section will be veiled, almost like spirits in Giselle, like they belong to the bush and the spirits of the past.”

Louise Deleur, Resident Choreographer and Head of Contemporary Dance at Queensland Ballet Academy, said she was inspired by two main artworks for her piece, which features the Contemporary Course dancers in Years 11 and 12.

“There is a calmness of nature about Dark Tide at Boganar 1994; one where you gaze into the sky and drift with the clouds in your own meandering thoughts. Those clouds can drift on and storms can blow in,” Louise said.

“While The Creation Landscape, Earth and Sea brings about a whirl of emotions and turmoil from the stormy horizon and its purple hues.”

She said Soirée provides a unique experience for everyone involved – the choreographers, musicians, and the dancers.

“What I enjoy most about Soirée is the richness in the visuals created through the impact of the artwork. It’s also wonderful to work with Brendan Joyce and Camerata,” Louise said.

“Working with professional live musicians is an incredible experience for young dancers, and one that is becoming harder to come by in today’s economic environment. It’s a wonderfully rich season that allows the dancers to experience a work being created exclusively on them while merging with our wonderful production team to see a vision grow from its seed in the studio to the lights and music onstage.”

William Robinson AO is considered one of Australia's foremost living artists. His self-parodying portraits have won two Archibald prizes, while his striking landscapes have been celebrated internationally. He is recognised for his unique interpretation of the Australian landscape as well as his creative portraits and narrative scenes.

Academy Director Christian Tàtchev said Soirée was an annual highlight for the next generation of young dancers.

“Soirée is a highlight for Queensland Ballet Academy each season and an exciting way to finish the year. The opportunity to collaborate with choreographers and musicians, to work with and be inspired by Robinson’s artwork and to perform to live audiences is an incredible learning experience,” he said.

“We are very grateful to philanthropist Philip Bacon AO for enabling this project, and to William Robinson for joining us for what I am sure will be another outstanding season.”

Presented at the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, Soirée showcases the artistic and technical skills of Level 1 Classical and Contemporary Courses and Pre-Professional Program dancers. This standout season includes the Academy’s Grand Défilé, showcasing seven levels of students onstage in a beautiful presentation, as well as selected choreographic works by the Pre-Professional Program dancers.

A striking blend of art, dance and live music, Soirée is not to be missed.