Review: Queensland Ballet Academy Gala Celebrates Emerging Talent

Queensland Ballet Academy Gala 2025

The Queensland Ballet Academy Gala is a night of exquisite artistry and a captivating showcase of breathtaking talent. The stage comes to life with the heart and soul of the Queensland Ballet Academy’s emerging artists. 

On Friday night at the home of the Queensland Ballet, dancers from the Upper School and Pre-Professional Program took the stage at the Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre. Under the guidance of Academy Director, Christian Tàtchev, the Gala presents a two-act spectacular. Here, the elegance of classical ballet is fused with bold, neo-classical and contemporary pieces.

Moving with an effortless elegance and skill well beyond their years, each dancer exudes both technical precision and a powerful, mature artistry. Their extraordinary skill seamlessly blends with a powerful stage presence, making it hard to comprehend that this talent belongs to emerging artists within the Academy.

Act one unfolds with Nature’s Gathering, a work that illustrates the unity of the gods and goddesses of Nature, the Sea, the Sun, Peace, the Night Sky and Moon. A powerful blend of elements emerges in a colourful display of grace and beauty.

Choreographed by Paul Boyd, Nature’s Gathering is simply enchanting. The creative union of classical ballet technique with inventive patterning and intricate details – right down to the positioning of the dancers’ hands – crafts an immersive narrative.

At times, different dancers execute a series of contrasting choreography. Yet, their movement harmonises, developing a deeper visual experience. Every moment in Boyd’s work is so visually entrancing, it could have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. 

Queensland Ballet Academy Gala 2025
Each dancer exudes both technical precision and a powerful mature artistry Photo by David Kelly

Lucia Minju-Song’s performance as the Goddess of the Night Sky is utterly breathtaking. Every moment radiates a level of artistry and grace that left the audience mesmerised. 

Kathryn Lee’s costume design is astonishing. Beautifully crafted to capture the essence of each dancer’s narrative, the costumes in this work infuse an extra breadth of life into the production. Edvard Grieg’s composition lays the foundation for the rich and majestic spirit that flows through the work. Glenn Hughes’ lighting design is stunning in its sophisticated minimalism. Each lighting choice compliments the tone of the piece, truly letting the artistry of movement speak for itself.

Act Two comes to life with a striking contrast to the classical splendour of the first act. Made up of five electrifying works, including two student choreographed, audiences were more captivated than ever.  

Opening with Duda, an entirely new vision is explored. Choreographer Grant Aris fuses nostalgic ’60s style with playful, quirky choreography that is both daring and vibrant. The bold lighting design compliments the lively spirit of Duda, amplifying the impact of Aris’ choreographic choices. 

The dancers bring every moment to life with infectious energy, glowing with a sense of freedom that you can’t help but groove along to. Their ability to execute a range of styles only further supports the extraordinary skill of these young dancers.

Following Duda comes a bold and raw masterpiece Closely Away. From its opening cascade of smoke to the innovative lighting that intertwines with the dancers’ movement, Closely Away reveals itself as a true a work of art. 

Grant Aris’ choreography is once again striking; met with full body expression, powerful presence and unique craftsmanship. The dancers’ quality of movement is just enthralling, drawing me to the very edge of my seat.

Queensland Ballet Academy Gala 2025
The stage comes to life with the heart and soul of the Queensland Ballet Academys emerging artists Photo by David Kelly

The piece Tender Moments, choreographed by Zenia Tàtcheva and Camilo Ramos, reignites the classical elegance underpinning the Gala. This piece takes the opportunity to further showcase the technical precision of the Academy’s Pre-Professional Program in a stunning display of poise and beauty.  

Amelia Waller’s Collusion is a unique and contemporary piece of choreographic art. With its meticulous interplay of shapes, patterns and intricate details, this work creates powerful frames that are truly gasp-worthy. 

The student-choreographed and performed solos by both Matilda Guerin and David Windeyer are completely captivating from start to finish. Their individual movement and choreography are innovative and original, eliciting audible gasps from the audiences in various moments of breathtaking brilliance. It is a celebration not only of the dancers’ talent, but the creative minds of emerging artists whose gifts extend beyond their dancing. 

Academy Défilé is the powerful conclusion to the Gala, showcasing a parade of the entire Academy. It is a beautiful and showstopping moment revealing a promising new generation of artists.

The Queensland Ballet Academy Gala is not one to be missed. It is an exceptional celebration of emerging talent, artistry and the future of ballet.

The Queensland Ballet Academy Gala runs to 17 August at the Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road West End Qld 4101.

Tickets are available here.

Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2025/queensland-ballet-academy-gala

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/

Photo credits: David Kelly

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