What’s Happening?
Queensland Ballet is expanding its reach beyond Brisbane in 2027, with Redlands among the communities included in its statewide season.
As part of the program, ICONS: Ballet’s Greatest Hits will visit the Redland Performing Arts Centre in Cleveland on 16 and 17 April 2027.
The wider season combines major productions, regional partnerships, family works and celebrated ballet repertoire as the company strengthens its connections across Queensland.
Why It Matters
Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega said Queensland Ballet sees the arts as an important part of connecting people and communities.
“At Queensland Ballet, we believe the arts are essential to the human experience. They move people, bring communities together and help shape a stronger future,” Gil-Ortega said.
He said the company wants Queensland Ballet to reach audiences across the state, regardless of where they live.
“Queensland is our home, and Queensland Ballet should belong to every Queenslander, whether they live in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast or in one of our regional communities.”
Local Impact
Redlands is specifically named among Queensland Ballet’s council partners for the 2027 program. Cleveland will also host ICONS at the Redland Performing Arts Centre as part of the production’s Queensland performances.
For Gil-Ortega, the regional partnerships form part of the company’s plans to connect with more audiences.
“We are delighted to partner with Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Redlands and Bundaberg Councils to bring ballet closer to audiences and create more opportunities for communities to experience the artistry of the dancers. That is the Queensland Ballet we are building.”
By The Numbers
- 12 hours of Giving Day fundraising will run from 9am to 9pm on 6 October alongside Queensland Ballet’s season launch.
- Every donation will be quadrupled by a group of match donors during the campaign, increasing the value of each contribution.
- $1,000 becomes $4,000 during Giving Day, while $10 becomes $40 and $100 becomes $400 under the matching arrangement.
Zoom In
ICONS: Ballet’s Greatest Hits will showcase the virtuosity, athleticism and versatility of Queensland Ballet’s dancers.
The program draws from some of ballet’s most famous works, including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle and Romeo and Juliet. Queensland Ballet said the production is designed for both ballet devotees and first-time attendees.
The production will travel to Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi, Caloundra, Bundaberg and Redcliffe before reaching Cleveland. It will then continue to Maryborough and Brisbane.
Zoom Out
The wider program marks Gil-Ortega’s second season as Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director. It includes the Australian premiere of Doña Perón: The Story of Evita, the return of Hamlet and a new production of The Little Prince.
The season also includes Elegantly Wasted, Strictly Gershwin, The Nutcracker and other productions.
Gil-Ortega said the company intends to take more of its work into communities across Queensland.
“In 2027, we are quite literally sharing the stage, taking the dancers and productions to more Queensland communities, opening our doors to new audiences and collaborating with partners across the state.”
What To Look For Next?
Queensland Ballet Day takes place on Tuesday, 6 October, bringing the Annual Season Launch and Annual Giving Day together for the first time.
Giving Day will run from 9am to 9pm, while proceeds from a special Costume Sale at the Thomas Dixon Centre will also contribute to the fundraising total.
Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe invited Queenslanders to support the company as it looks ahead.
“Every ticket purchased, every young dancer enrolled in our Academy, every community program attended and every donation made helps Queensland Ballet continue to create extraordinary work and share ballet with communities across the state,” Weerasinghe said.
“On 6 October, we are inviting Queenslanders to stand side by side with our dancers and our entire Queensland Ballet community as we celebrate what comes next and help make that future possible.”
