‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ unites traditional and contemporary choreography
(10th May, 2010) The Australian Ballet has announced its repertoire for the ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ performance, taking place on Hamilton Island at premier luxury resort, qualia, on the long-weekend of 11th-13th June 2010.
Internationally renowned Principal Artists Lucinda Dunn and Robert Curran will perform the stunning Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake and an emotional, contemporary pas de deux from Christopher Wheeldon’s sublime After the Rain ©.
Principal Artist, Rachel Rawlins will pair with Senior Artist, Andrew Killian to dance a lavish pas de deux from Graeme Murphy’s acclaimed interpretation of the traditional tale of The Nutcracker, Nutcracker – The Story of Clara, as well as an excerpt from the passionate El Tango, choreographed by Stephen Baynes.
David McAllister, The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, said of the repertoire, “This year’s repertoire is a great mix of contemporary and traditional ballet and a real showcase for our talented dancers. We also wanted to mix things up by adding another dimension to June’s event with a display of some of The Australian Ballet’s most spectacular costumes in the beautiful setting of qualia’s long pavilion. ”
Nicky Oatley, qualia’s Special Events Manager, commented, “Now in its third year, the event’s reputation precedes it. This is due in part to the unique opportunity it provides for guests to interact with the artists and executives from The Australian Ballet, coupled with the promise of an exceptional performance in a very special setting. Some exclusive ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ packages remain available and include the weekend’s events, as well as accommodation at qualia.” *
In addition to the ballet performance, June’s event will include a Q&A session, allowing guests to directly ask questions of the dancers and an open rehearsal on the day of the performance. TV presenter for the highly popular travel show, Getaway, Catriona Rowntree will again be emcee for the event.
Information regarding the event can be found at www.qualia.com.au
*This package costs from $1,800 per person, twin-share, to include two nights’ accommodation at qualia, the exclusive performance by The Australian Ballet, all food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at qualia’s two restaurants, the hire of a two-seater electric buggy, Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers and the use of non-motorised watercraft. Bookings for the event can be made by calling 1300 7809 59 or by emailing reservations@qualia.com.au
qualia, Australia’s world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island. qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue, green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively for guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. qualia welcomes guests of 16 years and over.
‘qualia’ is deliberately spelled with a lower case ‘q’ as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property.
Biographies:
Robert Curran
“The ultimate poetic and sensitive dancer” – Sunday Herald Sun
A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, Robert Curran joined The Australian Ballet in 1996 and was promoted to Principal Artist in 2002. During his time with the company he has performed in numerous classical and contemporary works by choreographers such as Kylián, Forsythe, Welch, Balanchine, Cranko, Baynes, Robbins and MacMillan, carving out a niche with his powerful partnering.
Lucinda Dunn
“Lucinda Dunn is a superstar” – Sunday Herald Sun
Lucinda Dunn received her early training in Sydney with Janece Graham and Tanya Pearson before going on to win a Prix de Lausanne scholarship to study at The Royal Ballet School, London. While in London she also performed with The Birmingham Royal Ballet. In 1991 Lucinda joined The Australian Ballet and was promoted to Principal Artist in 2002. A diverse and musical dancer with a strong technique, Lucinda excels in the pure classical ballets and enjoys portraying characters in story ballets, as well as the physicality of contemporary pieces.
The Great Barrier Reef – Queensland Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in north-east Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.
via Queensland Inspiration: The Great Barrier Reef – Zeemp Blog.