Principal Artists Marcus Morelli and Jill Ogai with artists of The Australian Ballet, Swan Lake (Woolliams) 2023 Photo Pierre Toussaint
As we wrap up our 60th anniversary season, The Australian Ballet has one more special announcement. It is with great pleasure that we announce the newest principal artists, senior artist, soloists and coryphées who are rising through the ranks of the company with their technical maturity and artistic excellence.
Written by
Heather Bloom
Published on
18 Dec 2023
Principal Artists
Marcus Morelli
Principal Artist Marcus Morelli, 2023 Photo Pierre Toussaint
How did it feel when David announced you would be promoted to Principal Artist?
When David announced onstage that
I was the newest principal artist, it was a wave of different emotions. I felt the years and years of
training complete the full circle, I felt all the pain and hardship I’ve faced
along the way ultimately prove itself worthwhile.
Every word of support and advice
from loved ones, and every moment of self-doubt where I told myself I’d never
reach my goals. It was a huge, overwhelming crash of emotion all at once but in
that moment the feelings that trumped everything were joy, determination and
peace.
Did you know this in advance or was it a surprise?
The promotion was a complete
surprise! However,
when David stepped onto the stage following our curtain call at the end of Swan
Lake, I was convinced Jill would be promoted! It was a true shock to hear my
name, and it was made so much more special minutes later as Jill, who is a good
friend and a ballerina I partner frequently, was also promoted.
My journey to achieving my dreams as a principal artist of The Australian Ballet would simply not have been possible without so many people. My parents, for the years of driving their three kids to ballet lessons/concerts/ competitions, and for their unwavering support, love and guidance.
My sisters, for inspiring me to take my first ballet class at the age of 10 and for being my fiercest advocates. My friends near and far, (you know who you are) who believed in me even when I didn’t. My teachers and coaches across the years, who provided the knowledge and wisdom for me to achieve my goals.
And thank you to our audiences for your undying support for the art form that allows us to do what we love.
“The promotion of Marcus to principal artist acknowledges the consistently exceptional year he has had onstage.”
— David Hallberg, Artistic Director
Jill Ogai
Principal Artist Jill Ogai, 2023 Photo Pierre Toussaint
How did it feel when David announced you would be promoted to Principal Artist?
Pure joy and happiness.
Did you know this in advance or was it a surprise?
It was a surprise! I have seen other dancers be promoted to principal, and I know the buzz, whispers and scurrying to the wings to watch what goes on. In hindsight, that was all happening, but a dear friend and dancer put it like this, ‘Jill; you just looked like you entered another dimension!’ I was so absorbed in the show with Marcus, and that was the greatest gift on such a big night.
This would turn into the longest edition of behind ballet if I was to do that. I'll keep it simple. David Hallberg, I just wouldn't be the dancer I am today if he hadn't become Artistic Director. He's guided me, and let me guide myself, such a gift. Josh (my husband), for reminding me to do my taxes, go to sleep and having the patience of a saint.
“The depth of Jill’s artistry on stage is matched in her humility, determination, and warmth offstage.”
— David Hallberg, Artistic Director
Principal Artists Marcus Morelli and Jill Ogai with artists of The Australian Ballet, Swan Lake (Woolliams) 2023 Photo Pierre Toussaint
Alongside Jill and Marcus, 14 dancers from across the Company received promotions. We are thrilled to announce the following dancers and their new titles!
Yuumi was born in Japan and joined The Australian Ballet School when she was 16. She joined The Australian Ballet in 2017 and was promoted to coryphée in 2018 and to soloist in 2021. Yuumi is our newest senior artist at The Australian Ballet!
