Now in its fourth year, ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ has become a must for ballet lovers. This year’s guests have once again been invited to spend an intimate weekend in the company of four principal artists who this year are Olivia Bell, Adam Bull, Yosvani Ramos, and Leanne Stojmenov, as well as internationally renowned choreographer, Graeme Murphy AM, and creative associate Janet Vernon AM – herself an acclaimed dancer and artistic director.
The weekend begins on Friday night with a welcome dinner prepared by qualia Executive Chef, Jane-Therese Mulry (http://www.ipr-online.co.uk/index.php/newsrooms/qualia/58-food-and-wine/276-executive-chef-jane-therese-mulry-prepares-the-very-best-australian-cuisine), followed by a Q&A session with The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David McAllister and the dancers.
On Saturday morning guests will be treated to a behind the scenes look at a stage set dance class followed by lunch at the spectacular Hamilton Island Yacht Club featuring Moet and Chandon champagne.
This will set the scene for an unforgettable pre-dinner Saturday night performance by the dancers on the outdoor stage as the sun sets over the Whitsunday passage.
“The evening will begin with two colourful and exuberant pas de deux from The Merry Widow, the first full-length ballet created by The Australian Ballet in 1975 by Sir Robert Helpmann and Ronald Hynd. This will be followed by a grand solo from Don Quixote, performed by Yosvani Ramos,” said McAllister.
“The finale will be Graeme Murphy’s pas de trois from Swan Lake performed by Adam Bull, Leanne Stojmenov and Olivia Bell. With the beautiful Tchaikovsky score, the pas de trois between Prince Siegfried, Odette and Baroness von Rothbart is sure to be absolutely breathtaking under the stars at qualia.”
In recognition of their attendance, the weekend will also feature eight rarely seen costumes from Murphy’s previous works with The Australian Ballet: Nutcracker – The story of Clara, Firebird, The Silver Rose and Swan Lake.
The weekend will again be emceed by popular travel presenter and qualia devotee, Catriona Rowntree. Catriona has presented Channel 9’s premier television travel show, Getaway, for nearly 15 years and is a familiar face on Australian TV.
For further information on “Pas De Deux in Paradise” and other special events at qualia, email theLuxury Specialist Team on luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au
NOTE TO EDITORS:
 CAST BIOGRAPHIES:
OLIVIA BELL competed in the Prix de Lausanne competition and won a scholarship to the Paris Opéra Ballet School, where she graduated in 1995. Joining The Australian Ballet the same year, Olivia would go on to dance some of The Australian Ballet's most coveted lead roles, hailed variously as "imperious and sinuous", "truly exquisite", and for her "cool, sensitive precision". In 1996 she was awarded a Khitercs Foundation scholarship, enabling her to study abroad. Olivia's acclaimed performances in everything from the most classical of ballets to contemporary pieces have shown her great versatility. A career highlight was her debut in the title role of Manon in 2008. Olivia was promoted to principal artist in 2007.
 ADAM BULL
was born in 1981 and began training at Dance World 301 with Brian Nolan before joining The Australian Ballet School. In 2000, he represented Australia in the Paris International Ballet Competition, before graduating from The Australian Ballet School with honours in 2001. Adam joined The Australian Ballet in 2002, going on to dance soloist and principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Ji?í Kylián, Graeme Murphy, Christopher Wheeldon, Stephen Baynes, Stanton Welch, Nicolo Fonte and Wayne McGregor. After just six months as a senior artist, Adam was promoted to the highest rank of principal in June 2008, capping off a string of critically acclaimed lead performances. Career highlights have also been performing in principal lead roles in the company’s tours to Paris, London, Manchester and Japan.
 YOSVANI RAMOS was born in Camagüey, Cuba and trained at the National Ballet School, going on to dance with Jeune Ballet de France and Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris after winning the Gold Medal at the Paris International Ballet Competition in 1998. He joined English National Ballet as a soloist in 1999 and was promoted to senior soloist in 2000, then principal artist in 2003 after his performance as Franz in Coppélia. During his time with English National Ballet he created many pieces in the company's choreographic workshops and was nominated for several years running in the Critics' Circle National Dance Awards. He joined The Australian Ballet as a principal artist at the beginning of 2008.
 LEANNE STOJMENOV was born and raised in Perth where she began her initial ballet training with Helen McKay. Her full-time training began at the Graduate College in 1993 under the school's director, Terri Charlesworth, and in 1999 she joined the West Australian Ballet. In 2001 Leanne left Perth to take up a position with The Australian Ballet. Receiving the New South Wales Friends of The Australian Ballet scholarship in 2004 enabled her to study throughout Europe. Leanne has a high regard for artists who can adapt to all kinds of roles and repertoire. Leanne was promoted to principal artist in 2011.
*Casting is subject to change
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET
The Australian Ballet is the largest classical ballet company in Australia. It was founded by J. C. Williamson Theatres Ltd and the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust in 1962, with the English ballerina Dame Peggy van Praagh as founding artistic director. Today it is recognised as one of the world's major international ballet companies and one of Australia’s flagship arts companies. For over four decades it has been the defining face of ballet in Australia.
Each year, the Melbourne-based Australian Ballet performs works from the classical repertoire as well as contemporary works by major Australian and international choreographers, and new commissions that explore the development and future of this dynamic art form. The Australian Ballet's diverse repertoire reflects the company’s motto: caring for tradition, daring to be different.
One of the busiest ballet companies in the world, The Australian Ballet annually presents approximately 200 performances in cities and regional areas around Australia, in addition to regular international touring. Recent tours include Paris, Manchester, Tokyo, Shanghai, Auckland, Cardiff and a season in London for which the company won the UK Critics' Circle award for Best Foreign Dance Company.
Versatility, technical excellence and a warm, friendly style are the trademarks of The Australian Ballet; qualities that have earned both critical and audience acclaim.
“There is something of a golden age at The Australian Ballet. There’s not much it can’t do, and can’t do breathtakingly well.” Herald Sun
“A classical company of depth, style and unified spirit” Sydney Morning Herald
|
