Queensland Ballet of Australia has been awarded a highly coveted national dance award for its 2014 production of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet. It is the first time the company has received the award, so is a moment in history for both the artistic staff and the dancers of the company. In recognising the company’s achievements the award is a keystone for its success; in addition the ongoing support of the company’s audiences then encourages future work to be bold and risk-taking in order to achieve more.
The award was received at the Australian Dance Awards, with Queensland Ballet up against tough competition such as the Australian Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Chunky Move all in the running for the most Outstanding Performance by a Company, which Queensland Ballet scooped. Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin said the company was thrilled to be recognised for its hard work, high quality production and exceptional performances.
The production in question had already marked itself out as a success, having been seen by more than 15,000 people. This broke a 54-year box office record for the company as it continues to draw in its audiences, both new and existing. The company is made up of immensely talented dancers, and for this particular production they danced alongside international stars Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta, as well as Australian stars Daniel Gaudiello and Steven Heathcote.
The bold commitment of the company to extending itself certainly paid off, in addition to support from the Queensland Government which played a large role in enabling Queensland Ballet to bring international and Australian stars to the Brisbane stage. Also to be acknowledged is Lady Deborah MacMillan, spouse of the late choreographer, who granted the company the rights to perform the production.