A YEAR INSIDE THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET THE BODY OF THE BALLET

 

The body of the ballet

The corps de ballet is a vital part of classical productions, and where most dancers start their careers. Featuring intimate back-stage moments and stunning overhead shots of the corps’ symmetry in Swan Lake, episode #8 of A year inside The Australian Ballet explores the challenges and pleasures of “being like everybody else”.

The Australian Ballet

Artists and artistic staff of The Australian Ballet, past and present, share an openness and love of audiences, the confidence to take risks, a spirited attack and the belief that technique on its own is never enough.

Dancing appears as natural to them as walking. They give approximately 200 performances across the country every year – from Petipa to punk, Balanchine to Bangarra.

The company looks different today, significantly taller and more culturally diverse, just as Australian society is different. Over the years, dancers and teachers have been welcomed from China, England, France, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the USA and the USSR. And new ballet school graduates from Asian, Latin American and European backgrounds are helping to make the company look like a snapshot of contemporary Australia. It is a company attuned to its time and place in the world.

The corps de ballet is a vital part of classical productions, and where most dancers start their careers. Featuring intimate back-stage moments and stunning overhead shots of the corps’ symmetry in Swan Lake, Episode #8 of A year inside The Australian Ballet explores the challenges and pleasures of «being like everybody else».

Video production by The Apiary

©2012 Danza Ballet