International Series

The QPAC International Series links Brisbane to the world’s greatest stages and feeds a growing desire to experience the preeminent ballet and orchestral performers of our time.  The Series features an annual, exclusive presentation of some of the world’s finest performing arts companies and is focused in the fields of dance and classical music -specifically ballet companies and world orchestras. QPAC’s International Series is not only a way to share some of the world’s greatest companies with Australian audiences but equally it is a way to engage in a creative exchange between artistic communities from different countries. The Series is presented in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland and has become one of the must-see events on the national performing arts calendar.     

It takes an enormous effort to move a company of this scale from its home in Moscow, across 14,000 kilometres to arrive safely within QPAC's theatre walls.  Eight shipping containers carrying over 50 tonnes of freight spent two months at sea transporting handcrafted tutu's, make-up, costuming and props and around four kilograms of rosin to ensure every dancer had a steady grip on stage.  The Bolshoi Ballet included 145 people, making it one of the biggest companies ever to have performed at QPAC.

Across many cultures of the world, welcoming ceremonies from traditional owners are extended as a formal invitation to land.  In line with these age-old traditions, the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers welcomed the Bolshoi Ballet to their land in a show of great respect and in celebration of the arrival of their Russian friends.

With the company ready to take the stage, QPAC too readied itself for the Bolshoi Ballet's impending season.  Every detail was attended to.  Russian greetings were circulated to staff, foyers and dining spaces were themed and translated signage erected backstage to help our russian visitors navigate their way around QPAC.

Behind the scenes of each Bolshoi Ballet performance, hallways were spotted with prima ballerinas, tulle and costume trunks.  Dancers took their positions in the wings, the men and women of the orchestra tightened their strings and the technical crew readied themselves for instruction from the Stage Manager.  Silence fell and the Bolshoi Ballet took to the stage in all its grandeur.

Le Corsaire is a swashbuckling, romantic tale of pirates, slaves and oriental intrigue and is typical of the exotic and ambitious ballets created during the Tsarist era.  One of the most spectacular (and expensive) productions ever to be staged at QPAC, this was also the Australian premiere of Le Corsaire, providing a showcase for the company's stars, the soloists and its magnificent corps de ballet.

One of the only few ballets from Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich.  Set on a collective farm, it delighted audiences but did not find favour with the Soviet authorities, especially with Stalin, who thought the subject too serious for the light-hearted and joyful ballet.  It was banned for almost seven decades until revived by the former Bolshoi ballet artistic director Alexei Ratmansky, who methodically and painstakingly rediscovered the original staging and steps which were lost when the ballet was banned.

As visiting guest artists, members of the Bolshoi Ballet were encouraged to immerse themselves in the local community, offering opportunities for local dancers and companies to engage with their international counterparts.  A highlight for four Bolshoi Ballet principal dancers was a visit to the Quuensland Ballet studios to participate in a dance class led by artistic director and Mao's Last Dancer author Li Cunxin.

For many of the Bolshoi Ballet company, this was their first visit to Australia, giving them the opportunity to enjoy some of the more traditional tourist adventures.  In a rare day off between performances, many of the dancers ventured to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife.

The 2013 Bolshoi Ballet season was the second instalment of QPAC's International Series and afforded ballet lovers from around the country a rare chance to see this company perform.  The success of this season was the result of years of planning and could not have been achieved without the support of all our partners who helped make it a reality.