Overview

The Australian Ballet is renowned worldwide for exceptional dancers and refined performances. Its repertoire is built on the traditions of classical ballet and the best of contemporary dance. The company employs 62 Melbourne-based dancers who perform over 160 shows a year. The Sleeping Beauty was the company's initial performance in 1962, which went on to attract legendary artists such as Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. In 1973, Nureyev both directed and performed in his own production of Don Quixote with the Australian Ballet. The Australian Ballet performs with the State Orchestra in the Victorian Arts Centre, State Theatre.