Australian Ballet School 60 Years Young
Australian Ballet School’s
60th Anniversary Showcase
On May 12, 2024, the Australian Ballet School celebrated its 60th anniversary with a spectacular showcase at the Sydney Opera House. The event began with pre-show drinks attended by industry alumni and notable figures, including Lucinda Dunn OAM, Graeme Murphy AO, and Janet Vernon AM, setting a festive tone for the evening.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Knobloch, the choreographer tasked with creating the opening Grand Défilé. In the early stages of development, Paul shared some of his intricate notation ns with me, which looked like a complex, colour-coded math equation. At the pre-show drinks, Paul expressed his desire for the students to showcase their hard-earned technique and artistry to the Sydney audience. His efforts were evident in the stunning défilé, where the entire school delivered a performance with strength, precision and artistry.
Earlier, I also had the chance to chat with Kevin Jackson, another choreographer for the showcase. Kevin spoke about the joy of teaching, giving back, and connecting with the students. He particularly enjoys teaching pas de deux, a complex and nuanced skill passed down from dancer to dancer. Speaking with these artists, who are both significant contributors for this 60th Anniversary Showcase, highlighted the exceptional artistic and technical expertise at the school.
The sentiments of the students reflect their internationally recognised guidance and training. Riley Burns and Jordan Sawtell, both in Level 8, and Charlotte Booth, Madeline Sparkman, and Isabella Triscari, all in Level 7, spoke highly of their experiences.
Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Booth from Melbourne, a student for two years and currently in Level 7, had this to say about the celebrations: “It’s so exciting and it feels like such a privilege to dance in the 60th year of the school, surrounded by talented people and amazing choreographers.”
Charlotte added, “Being a student at The Australian Ballet School was a dream come true, just as amazing as I thought. The environment is nurturing, and it’s a wonderful place to learn and grow as a dancer.”
Isabella Triscari, 18 years old from WA and in Level 7, shared her excitement about the Sydney trip: “It was unexpected, and I was very excited about this special opportunity to travel to Sydney and celebrate 60 years of the school.”
Madeline Sparkman, 17 years old from Ballarat, Victoria, in her second year, Level 7, reflected on her experience: “Being a student of The Australian Ballet School is a dream come true. The support from the teachers and the daily learning is very inspiring.”
Jordan Sawtell, 18 years old from Sydney, NSW, has been at the school for five years and is currently in Level 8. He spoke about performing on the Opera House stage: “I feel honoured and excited, especially since it’s my last year with the school.”
Jordan continued, “Since first coming, I’ve really grown as a dancer, not just ballet-wise but also as a person. The school really helps and nurtures all the students and makes them who they want to be. We are encouraged to be the best that we can be and want to be.”
When asked about his favourite teachers, Jordan effortlessly listed, “Mr. Murphy (Andrew Murphy, Ballet Master, Classical Teacher), Mr. K (Sergey Konstantinov, Classical Teacher), and Mr. Jackson (Kevin Jackson, Classical Teacher). Each has uniquely contributed to my development. They all have something different to offer. Mr. K helped me get technically good when I was younger. Mr. Jackson helped me find who I am, and Mr. Murphy, as I’m still experiencing now, is helping me become the best dancer possible and wants the best for all of us.”
Riley Burns, 18 years old from Kiama, New South Wales, in Level 8, spoke about the impact of his training: “It’s changed me massively. When I first joined the school, I wanted to be a trick-filled dancer. They really taught me and showed me how much technique can benefit me. It’s helped me switch my mindset from wanting all those tricks to just focusing on technique and honing all my skills.”
The Grand Défilé itself was breathtaking, with dancers filling the stage with joy, technical prowess, and what seemed like effortless transitions. Following this, we were treated to “Four Seasons,” a piece I had eagerly anticipated after discussing it with Lisa Pavane earlier in the year. Each season was choreographed by former students of the school’s directors:
Spring by Kevin Jackson, trained under Gailene Stock CBE AM
Summer by Lucas Jervies, trained under Marilyn Rowe AM OBE
Autumn by Serena Graham, trained under Lisa Pavane
Winter by Graeme Murphy AO, trained under Dame Margaret Scott AC DBE
Each segment was unique and engaging, offering students an incredible opportunity to work with these talented artists. It was particularly special to see Serena Graham’s choreography performed by current students, as I had recently viewed her taking masterclass at the Enrico Cecchetti NSW Ballet Awards. Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon’s “Winter” brought their characteristic satire and theatricality, making it both entertaining and beautifully danced.
The evening was star-studded, with many families in attendance. I brought my son Conor, and we enjoyed pointing out the many familiar faces who are now students of the school, underscoring the strong sense of community within the ballet world.
This milestone event showcased the immense talent and dedication of the students and staff of the Australian Ballet School. Special congratulations to Lisa Pavane in her retirement year—her legacy and contributions to the ballet community are extraordinary.