News
The Friends' 4th Annual Afternoon Tea
Colin Peasley, Councillor Tanya Barrington and Adrian Burnett
On Sunday 2 August, 120 guests gathered to be entertained with anecdotes about the life of Sir Robert Helpmann from the Guest Speaker Colin Peasley at the 4th Annual Friends’ Afternoon Tea. Colin, a talented former dancer and the Director of Education at The Australian Ballet, is well known as an entertaining speaker with passion for the world of ballet. He provided an insight into Helpmann’s life, which enthralled and delighted all in attendance.
Race Day wrap up
Striking hat. Alan Jackson, Deputy Chairman of the Friends, once again organised a glorious luncheon in the Director’s Suite of Canterbury Racecourse on Wednesday 29th July 2009.
There was fun on and off the field with many Friends taking the opportunity to have a flutter; some came out ahead whilst others, including the Executive Coordinator Claudia Mills, possibly should have studied the form guide rather than the menu.
With many ladies donning elaborate hats and fascinators, competition was fierce for best-dressed prizes and the gentlemen were not left out of the fashion stakes with prizes also awarded for best tie.
Ever an engaging speaker, Kenneth Watkins, Director of Private Giving, gave those present a behind-the-scenes snapshot of progress in the rehearsal studios in preparation for Concord. It sounds a truly fantastic program and we at Friends HQ are very much looking forward to it and we’re sure you are too!
Proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle held on the day will go into the kitty to be donated to The Australian Ballet, a feel good by-product of Friends simply having fun.
Next year we hope to return Race Day to its traditional August date so start planning your outfit now!
Ballet Talk - Valerie Wilder
Valerie Wilder: Photography by James BraundBallerina to Boardroom
Our ever-popular series of Ballet Talks made its long awaited return on 16 June. A lively group of Friends joined us at the Friend’s Gallery for an enlightening and inspiring discussion with Valerie Wilder, The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director. Our Chair, Greg Khoury, acted as the facilitator and Friends had a unique opportunity to discuss with Valerie the future of The Australian Ballet. Stay tuned for more Ballet Talks soon to be announced.
Friends' Support More Important Than Ever
The Australian Ballet is one of the country’s most successful performing arts companies but the dramatic slump in its investment capital, and the effect such writedowns will have on projects, is a reminder that the arts are extremely vulnerable during the global financial crisis.
Friends of the Australian Ballet NSW contribute to The Australian Ballet through scholarships, travel funds and capital donations. Supporting the Friends is a great way to support our national Ballet company. Now, more than in past years, your support through attending Dress Rehearsals and Fundraising Events will make a difference to the future of the art of Ballet in Australia. Spread the word to family and friends about the benefits of joining FAB.
Lucette Aldous Wins Life Time Achievement Award
Lucette Aldous was honored at the Australian Dance Awards with the Life Time Achievement Award. Best known for her beautiful performance in Sir Robert Helpmann’s filmed production of Don Quixote, Aldous is a true star of Ballet in Australia and around the world.
Read more on ArtsHub.
2009 Telstra Dancer of the Year Award Nominations
The 2009 nominees were announced on Wednesday 18 February in the studios of The Australian Ballet.
Meeting the New Dancers
Meeting the New Dancers
On the evening of the last Tuesday of March Friends and Patrons gathered in the spectacular Harbour Room of the InterContinental Hotel to Meet the New Dancers and Valerie Wilder, The Australian Ballet’s recently appointed Executive Director. Ms Wilder spoke engagingly about her international career in ballet and shared some of her ideas about the future of the company. Artistic Director David McAllister introduced each of the new dancers, all of whom spoke beautifully about how they came to the company. The new dancers are delightful young people who were so generous with their time, chatting and mingling late into the evening.
We would especially like to thank our sponsors for the evening Bloch’s and Showface, who kindly donated gifts for the new dancers.
