Principal Artist Callum Linnane, Anna Karenina (Possokhov) 2022
Photo Jeff Busby
Our loss is Hamburg Ballet’s gain as we bid farewell to Principal Artist Callum Linnane after 11 years. We look back at his journey from his hometown in Central Victoria to the bright lights of international ballet stardom.
Written by
14 Apr 2026
Principal Artist Callum Linnane, In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated (Forsythe) 2015
Photo Jeff Busby
At just seven years old, Callum began dance classes at the Ballarat Centre of Music and the Arts before taking up ballet classes with Lauren Young at the age of 11. A year later, he was accepted into The Australian Ballet School, beginning an 18-year tenure at the Primrose Potter Ballet Centre.
"I grew up at The Australian Ballet. From first walking through the doors of the School as an excited 12-year-old to becoming a principal artist with the Company, this place has shaped me both as a person and as an artist.” - Callum Linnane
Principal Artists Robyn Hendricks and Callum Linnane, Giselle (Gielgud) 2019
Photo Daniel Boud
After graduating with honours and as dux of The School, Callum officially joined the ranks at The Australian Ballet in 2015. It wasn’t long before the wider ballet community was recognising this talented artist, and in 2016, he was awarded the prestigious Telstra Ballet Dancer Award.
“Callum has always been an inspired artist who in turn has inspired audiences and colleagues. His performances as Nijinsky in 2016, in only his second year with the Company, marked him as an artist of rare depth.” - David Hallberg
Principal Artist Callum Linnane, Anna Karenina (Possokhov) 2022
Photo Lucas Dawson
Seven years into his professional career and having danced an extensive range of principal roles, Callum is promoted to Principal Artist on opening night of the highly anticipated Anna Karenina in Melbourne,
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be nurtured, challenged, to work with truly wonderful people, and to dance great works. I’m deeply grateful to the audiences who have supported me throughout my time here; their warmth and generosity has meant so much.” - Callum Linnane
Principal Artist Callum Linnane, Oscar (Wheeldon) 2024
Photo Kate Longley
Christopher Wheeldon’s world premiere of the groundbreaking production about the life and stories of Oscar Wilde is brought to life by Callum in 2024. A transformative experience for both audiences and the artists, Oscar pushes the boundaries of ballet into the next era.
"You have to take those risks and take the plunge ... Ballet companies and arts companies always need to be creating new work. I guess you're rolling the dice every time." - Callum Linnane on Christopher Wheldon’s Oscar
Principal Artist Callum Linnane Nijinsky (Neumeier) 2025
Photo Kate Longley
Callum first performed the title role of Vaslav Nijinsky in John Neumeier's ballet in 2016 while still a member of the corps de ballet. In 2025, he returned to the physically demanding role with renewed passion, bringing a new maturity to the famed artist's life.
“From where you start to where you finish in the ballet, it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. That was almost nine years ago, and nothing has really topped it since.” – Callum Linnane on performing Nijinsky in 2025
Principal Artists Jill Ogai and Callum Linnane Carmen (Inger) 2025
Photo Kate Longley
Callum’s achievements at home are about to be shared with the international ballet world as he takes the next step in his career to join the company at the Hamburg Ballet.
“I applaud Callum’s desire to stretch and grow. While he will be greatly missed, I am thrilled for him as he takes this next step. He takes with him the strength, integrity and artistry that define The Australian Ballet.” - David Hallberg
“I carry my time here very close to my heart. It has been an extraordinary chapter.” — Callum Linnane
You can see Callum in his final Australian performances in the Sydney and Melbourne seasons of Romeo and Juliet
