Garth Welch, one of Australia’s most distinguished ballet dancers and choreographers, has died aged 89. 

A commanding presence on stage for more than four decades, he was acclaimed for both his classical artistry and his contributions to contemporary Australian dance.

Born Garth de Burgh Welch in Brisbane in 1936, he was educated at the Anglican Church Grammar School. His first teacher, Valma Lock (later Hunter), recognised his natural gifts and encouraged further study with Phyllis Danaher, who became a formative influence.

Garth Welch (1936–2025)

Welch’s professional career began in musical theatre, appearing in Call Me Madam for J.C. Williamson’s. In 1954 he joined the Borovansky Ballet, the forerunner of the Australian Ballet, quickly rising to principal dancer. 

After seasons with Western Theatre Ballet (later Scottish Ballet) and the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas, he returned to Australia in 1962 at the invitation of Dame Peggy van Praagh to become a Principal with the newly formed Australian Ballet.

For more than a decade he was at the centre of the company’s repertoire, dancing leading roles in the great classical ballets and creating new ones in works by Sir Robert Helpmann (The Display,...