West Australian Ballet has announced its 2024 Season, one shaped by David McAllister in his role as Guest Artistic Director.

“The last time I lived in Perth, I was 17-years-old, so I’m looking forward to an extended stay in the place where my passion for ballet was sparked,” McAllister says.

“It’s an honour to be part of the rich history and legacy of West Australian Ballet, which I owe to each and every one of the Artistic Directors before me, including Aurélien Scannella for his tireless work in raising the Company to the acclaim it has today.”

“Season 2024 has been curated to inspire and delight, and I hope the selection of works from classics to premieres captivate WA audiences as much as they do for me.”

The West Australian Ballet: Metamorphosis. Image supplied

Season 2024 commences in now traditional fashion at the Quarry Amphitheatre. Presented in association with Perth Festival, Metamorphosis: Ballet at the Quarry will feature three works, including the world premiere title work from one of the world’s leading choreographers, David Dawson. Two pieces from rising star British choreographer George Williamson will be presented as partner pieces.

Returning to West Australian Ballet and the Quarry for the first time since 2016, Dawson’s Metamorphosis explores hope, humanity and finding light in darkness. Set to music from American composer Philip Glass and first seen in a Dutch National Ballet production in 2021,  the work has been hailed as a classic of contemporary ballet.

Williamson’s works are a world premiere commissioned by West Australian Ballet and the Australian premiere of Wonderers.

In April, the Company will returns to Perth’s His Majesty’s Theatre with West Australian Symphony Orchestra for La Bayadère (The Temple Dancer). A co-production between West Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Marius Petipa classic was last performed in Perth in 2019.

In May and June, WA Ballet’s contemporary season, State: Contemporary Vision (formerly known as STATE) returns to the State Theatre Centre of WA. The Company will collaborate with Robert Bondara for the fourth year running, as the acclaimed Polish choreographer returns to Perth to stage a new world premiere.

In addition to Bondara, Raewyn Hill, Artistic Director of Perth contemporary dance company Co3, will present Carnivale.6, a work set to Ravel’s Bolero.

Choreographer and Director of STRUT Dance (The National Choreographic Centre of WA), James O’Hara will close the contemporary showcase with a world premiere choreographed on our WA Ballet’s dancers.

The West Australian Ballet: Genesis. Image supplied

In July, the West Australian Ballet Centre hosts Genesis, a season devoted to the future of choreographic talent within the WAB’s ranks.

In August, the company will stage the Australian premiere of Romeo & Juliet at His Majesties, accompanied by West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently produced by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, this production recreates the splendour of Renaissance Verona for the timeless romance of Shakespeare’s tragedy of star-crossed lovers.

To close the year, West Australian Ballet will present Javier Torres’ family ballet The Sleeping Beauty with West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. While the Mexican-Finnish choreographer’s stunning adaptation remains close to Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa’s original, the 130-year-old ballet ran to over four hours. Torres has shortened the show to a much snappier two hours and 20 minutes, ensuring the magical tale delights modern day audiences for years to come.

Season tickets are now available to renewing subscribers. New subscribers can purchase packages from 24 November. General public tickets will be on sale on 27 November.