THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET TO PERFORM BALLET UNDER THE STARS IN WESTERN SYDNEY

The Australian Ballet’s annual free outdoor community program, Ballet Under the Stars, will be presented exclusively in Western Sydney for three years from 2016.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the Australian Ballet, secured by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, will perform at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith. “Ballet Under the Stars is a major highlight of the Australian Ballet’s annual calendar and I am immensely proud to have secured this free community event for Penrith and Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said. “The Australian Ballet is recognised as one of the world’s leading international ballet companies and this event will be a major drawcard with visitors expected to travel to Western Sydney to attend performances during the next three years, injecting over $1.3 million into the local visitor economy.”

Executive Director of The Australian Ballet Libby Christie said, “Our free community outdoor performance is a highlight of the company’s yearly program, enabling people of all ages to experience world-class ballet, some for the first time. As Australia’s national ballet company, we are committed to reaching audiences all around Australia and giving them the opportunity to experience the transformative power of ballet. We are delighted to be bringing Ballet Under the Stars to Penrith and Western Sydney over the next three years and look forward to performing Swan Lake on the Lake with highlights from the ballet’s repertoire in November 2016.”

Mr Ayres said Ballet Under the Stars is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the highest quality of dance performance by Australia’s largest national ballet company. I encourage everyone to start planning their visit now to what will undoubtedly be a spectacular event – and it’s all free,” Mr Ayres added.

The Australian Ballet’s Ballet Under the Stars – Swan Lake on the Lake will be staged at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith on Saturday, 5 November 2016. Image: artists of the Australian Ballet in Swan Lake. Photo Jeff Busby.