Marking the 50th anniversary of The Australian Ballet, 2012 is also the 5th anniversary of the internationally acclaimed arts company's exclusive annual performances at qualia.
Principal Artists Adam Bull, Lana Jones and Amber Scott, and Senior Artist Rudy Hawkes, will be dancing excerpts from some of Ballet's most loved works: After the Rain ©, Giselle, Manon and Stephen Baynes' brand new Swan Lake, accompanied by Artistic Director David McAllister.
The Pas de Deux in Paradise weekend begins on the Friday evening with a welcome dinner at the Long Pavilion, prepared by qualia's Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell. A Q&A session during the mouth-watering meal is held with The Australian Ballet's Artistic Director David McAllister and the dancers.
On Saturday morning, guests will be treated to an exclusive viewing of the dancers warming up at 'Morning Barre', prior to a simply stunning, pre-dinner performance. The stage will be set by the water's edge at qualia's Pebble Beach, and nothing else is needed as the breathtakingly beautiful Coral Sea and Whitsunday islands form the exquisite natural backdrop. The event is emceed by Getaway travel presenter and Pas de Deux in Paradise devotee, Catriona Rowntree.
The ballet works are;
Giselle; A stirring tale of innocent love, betrayal, madness, tragedy and redemption, Giselle is one of the ultimate romantic ballets. Rudy Hawkes and Lana Jones will begin the evening with the Act II pas de deux and solos.
Manon; Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Manon is a sumptuous treat. Based on the classic novel by Abbé Prévost, this tale of obsession, passion, greed and betrayal is a dancer favourite. Adam Bull and Amber Scott will delight audiences with the bedroom pas de deux.
After the Rain ©; A seamless marriage of music and movement, After the Rain© is an intimate portrayal of what contemporary ballet legend Christopher Wheeldon describes as "an unspoken love affair that is consummated only onstage". A heartbreakingly tender pas de deux is the centrepiece of this work and will showcase the talents of Rudy Hawkes and Lana Jones.
Swan Lake; For the evening's finale, Adam Bull and Amber Scott will perform the moving Act II pas de deux from Stephen Baynes' Swan Lake. With the tropical Queensland water replacing Tchaikovsky's frozen lake, Swan Lake will be a fitting end to a moonlit evening of ballet.
David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, believes this is a ballet event not to be missed. 'Our dancers love performing under the stars at qualia and will be dancing excerpts from four truly breathtaking ballets this year. For anyone wanting to combine an island holiday with the ballet, it's an unbeatable combination,' McAllister said.
Recently named Best in the World and Best Resort in the Oceania region in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, qualia is nestled intimately on the edge of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Its unique design harmoniously blends in with the surrounding natural environment, and its 60 luxurious pavilions are an indulgent space to unwind in, with either a sundeck or private infinity edge plunge pool. The resort's outstanding facilities include two tranquil infinity-edged pools, two bars and restaurants, a private dining room, library, fitness centre and Spa qualia.
For more information visit www.qualia.com.au/events/australia-ballet.
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