Full House!
This is the first time we have sold out a season before we’ve even opened on a self-presented international tour. In another incredible achievement, it’s the first time we’ve sold out an international tour in more than 30 years!
London Tour Highlights
Artists of The Australian Ballet and Company, Royal Opera House, 2023
Photo The Australian Ballet archives
After 35 years away, The Australian Ballet returned to Covent Garden in the heart of London’s theatre district and the historic Royal Opera House stage.
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Written by
Heather Bloom
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Published on
20 Aug 2023
Performing George Balanchine’s masterpiece, Jewels, to a full house every night, the tours' grand finale was a gala event that showcased our diverse repertoire of classical favourites and contemporary work.
A history making event, The Australian Ballet London Tour was nothing short of extraordinary.
As the Company returns to Australia to begin rehearsals for Swan Lake, we look back at some of our favourite moments from the tour.
Joseph Caley and Benedicte Bemet in Jewels (Balanchine), 2023
Photo Tristam Kenton
Curtain Call
Our Principal Artists having the very special experience of taking their featured bows in front of the iconic Royal Opera House curtain.
“I am living my childhood dream of dancing on this stage.” — Principal Artist Ako Kindo
Callum Linnane in Jewels (Balanchine), 2023
Photo Tristam Kenton
Sparkling Jewels Reviews
“The company’s sparkling take on Balanchine’s ballet makes you feel like you’re in the presence of dancing royalty.” - Marianka Swain, The Telegraph
“For London, this production is already the great Balanchine event of this anniversary year.” – Alastair Macaulay, Slipped Disc
“Diamonds ends with the entire cast parading downstage in perfect unison, a finale designed to elicit rapturous applause, which it duly did.” – Teresa Guerrerio, Culture Whisper
“Gees, bloody half of Australia is here.” — Stage Door Security Guard
Ako Kondo and Chengwu Guo
Photo Daniel Boud
An epic anniversary celebration
We closed our tour with a carefully curated performance of our favourite repertoire. Encompassing our 60-year history with pieces from Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote and looking towards the bright ballet future with Alice Topp’s Little Atlas, our gala event was the icing on top of our 60th birthday cake.
“All one can really say about Ako Kondo and Chengwu Guo is WOW. As a performer of evident ease, Kondo is pure pleasure to observe and Guo offers such physical spontaneity one just needs to sit back and revel. Simply fantastic.” Matthew Paluch, Broadway World
Artists of The Australian Ballet, Royal Opera House, 2023
Photo Brett Chynoweth
Final thoughts
“The Australian Ballet impresses throughout, and those final minutes are breathtaking… This production is testament to a company brimming with exciting promise for the next 60 years.” – Stefan Kyriazis, Express UK
“Let us hope they do not wait another 35 years before coming back to perform here.” - Joy Sable, The Jewish Chronicle
Thank you to all that made this tour possible, our talented Company of dancers, artists, technicians and staff alongside the generosity of our philanthropic community. It may have been 35 years in-between dances on the Royal Opera House stage, but it was most definitely worth the wait. Until next time London, let's not leave it so long until we dance together again.
“The Australian Ballet season at the Royal Opera House has been a resounding success; I don't remember there being this kind of (ballet) buzz in London for quite some time.” — Matthew Paluch, Broadway World