The Dancers Company

One of the most unique aspects of the show is that it’s made up of three different ballets – Swan Lake (Act III), Paquita and Rimbombo. In addition to exhibiting how unique ballet can be, there may be another reason behind this decision. “The places we’re travelling to don’t get The Australian Ballet coming to them very often,” says dancer Valerie Tereshchenko. “I guess the bigger variety you can give them, the more likely they’ll find something that they’ll enjoy.”

Being only a recent convert to ballet, I wonder whether these three acts will tie together in some way, or be left as separate entities.

“They’re definitely three separate ballets, which is good because they’re so different that I don’t think you can really weave them together,” Tereshchenko explains.

One of the greatest hurdles of a production such as this is the juggling of multiple roles from incredibly different ballets. This is particularly pertinent when Act III of Swan Lake and its famous pas de deux is thrown into the mix.

“In Paquita, Brodie [James] and myself will be playing solos,” says Tereshchenko. “It’s an abstract ballet in the sense that it doesn’t have a storyline, but it definitely has a certain flavour and style. It’s got a bit of a Spanish feel in the music and the movements, and it’s kind of a bit more showy and exciting, whereas in Swan Lake, you get a lot of acting.”

But the question is, does the ballerina have a favourite character in this production?

“My favourite would have to be Odile, who is the black swan. The dancing itself is technically harder, but I think what I really enjoy is the story of her character. It’s really nice to be able to really lose yourself and be something that you’re not. Act III is basically me casting a spell and weaving my magic on the prince and making him do the wrong thing,” she laughs.

Another interesting element of the production is that it showcases the fresh talent that’s emerging from the Australian ballet world. “Almost all of the dancers are from The Australian Ballet School’s graduating class. Some of them you might see next year in the company, because they take on a lot of talented students from the school,” says Tereshchenko. “Also, Brodie and myself are not principals. We’re quite fresh and haven’t had the chance to do these kinds of roles yet. It’s a challenge for us to step up and do these big roles, but will also be a progression to doing bigger things with the main company in the future.”

With so many dancers and audience members still being drawn to the art, it’s interesting to theorise on what continues to make ballet so special.

“Ballet was created in the court of King Louis XIV, so why it’s lasted until today is a mystery, but it’s also proof that there’s something in it that people must love. It’s escapism, art, physicality, acting, characters and beauty.

“But I also think that what The Australian Ballet is doing in its upcoming program is really trying, and hopefully succeeding, in using things that are current to modern culture and bringing it into ballet. It’s keeping it quite current with architecture and amazing new music work as well.”