The Curtains to Remain Closed for Queensland Ballet until 2021
Queensland Ballet has taken the bold step to move its entire 2020 season to 2021. The announcement comes despite the Federal Government outlining its roadmap to easing restrictions, with gatherings of up to 100 people anticipated by July 10, 2020.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said the company’s Crisis Management Response Team has established a framework for a safe step-by-step return of ballet activities.
The document, entitled Queensland Ballet’s Return to Magic Framework outlines sensible and gradual steps to resume activities ranging from work, to Company class, to educational activities, to repertoire creation and rehearsals, and ultimately performance.
“It’s a timely tool for how reintroduction of activity will occur in a cautious and methodical manner to optimise dancer and community safety. Decisions regarding the timing of resumption of activity will be made in consultation with Federal and Queensland Government advice,” Mr Li said.
“The Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College has recommenced training and we are hopeful we may be able to re-open our studios to our Company Dancers in the coming months. We know other companies have opened up around the country and the resumption of sport is a step in the right direction,” Mr Li said.
However, Queensland Ballet believes it is unfeasible to recommence mainstage performances before 2021.
“We have been listening to our patrons and we hear that they may wish to wait until 2021 to enjoy ballet again. We have also undertaken economic modelling which has considered potential social distancing restrictions that would render any return to the stage as extremely costly and potentially detrimental financially to the company. In light of this, Queensland Ballet has made the difficult decision to move our entire 2020 season to 2021.
“It is disappointing as we had big plans to celebrate our 60 year anniversary during 2020, but we believe this means that patrons can still see the productions they were looking forward to seeing, plus it means no creative energy will have been in vain; from rehearsals right through to stage craft and wardrobe. It also allows us to retain and look after our staff of 200 during this time,” Mr Li said.
“We need to be more resourceful than ever, be innovative, while staying attuned to the changing climate for the arts world post COVID-19. Due to the financial impact that has been experienced by many in our community, whilst we know the arts is important to them, we are also realistic and we are forecasting a 30-40% downturn in attendance for the first quarter of 2021,” he said.
The 2020 season was supposed to celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary and was to feature Dangerous Liaisons in Melbourne, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the contemporary Bespoke series, children’s ballet Peter and The Wolf, Tutus On Tour to regional Queensland, The Sleeping Beauty, Synergy showcasing pre-professional students and The Nutcracker. Read more about the program here.
Queensland Ballet is now finalising the dates of the rescheduled performances for 2021 with our venue partners. Tickets purchased for 2020 performances will be exchanged into the 2021 dates. Patrons will be advised of their new ticket details between August and September, with all patrons being advised no later than September 30, 2020. Patrons may request a refund at any time by emailing refunds@qtix.com.au
The Company is forecasting a 43% decline in revenue in 2020, due to its inability to perform this year and also recognising impact on other areas of earned income, including community activities, corporate partnerships and philanthropy.
If Queensland Ballet has brought you joy at some point in the last 60 years, they ask you please do consider a tax-deductible donation in lieu of a refund. For QB, in 2020, it means being able to keep our dancers and enabling team employed. It is essential that Queensland Ballet’s Keep the Magic Alive Campaign is triumphant, and anyone wishing to support the Queensland Ballet dancers and wider team, can go to www.keepthemagicalive.com.au.
“Whilst there are unknowns in the future, there are also some wonderful treats in store. In 2021, as we open the doors to our newly refurbished Thomas Dixon Centre, each Season Ticket Holder will be invited to preview our new home to walk through our six studios, new Studio Theatre, dancer spaces including Wellness Suite, outdoor gardens, café, bunker bar and rooftop terrace. We can’t wait to welcome you to our home, your cultural hub. This will be a highlight of 2021. We are focusing on the positive.” said Mr Li.
To remain connected with their community and to keep teaching artists engaged, an extensive program of paid online classes has been launched titled Dance Anywhere. 20 new classes will be available with live instruction from leading teaching artists, for all abilities from ages 16 years and over.
Access Dance Anywhere via www.queenslandballet.com.au/classes/dance-anywhere.
Pre-recorded free classes are still available at www.queenslandballet.com.au/dance-classes.
