The West Australian Ballet are warming up to take the stage at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on April 3.
As part of their visits to regional locations around the state, the professional company will also host a series of workshops, in-school activities and masterclasses for hopeful ballerinas and ballet students in Mandurah.
The highly anticipated performance, A Gala Evening with West Australian Ballet, will feature excerpts from classical and contemporary dance as well as a free open warm-up class on stage prior to the performance.
West Australian Ballet artistic director Aurélien Scannella said the program is sure to impress those in the regions.
“Not only are we bringing our world-class dancers to regional WA, we’re bringing a great variety of spell-bounding and impressive works that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” she said.
The performance will feature short works from 'The Nutcracker' pas-de-deux (dance of two), 'Le Corsaire' pas-de-deux, 'Tarantella', 'Les Indomptés', 'Ballet 101' and 'Reincaration'.
Australia's newest contemporary dance company Co3 Australia have collaborated with the West Australian Ballet and will appear on stage together for A Gala Evening.
The evening will commence with one of classical ballet’s most well-known pas de deux’s (dance of two).
'The Nutcracker' pas de deux will kick start the evening with spell-binding jumps and lifts and a touch of Christmas magic.
Choreographed by Frenchmen Claude Brumachon, the short but explosive 'Les Indomptés', which translates loosely to 'The Untamed', will be next to take the stage with its high energy, physical work danced by two men.
'Ballet 101' will feature as the light-hearted fixture of the evening as the male solo artist guides the audience through 101 ballet moves invoking awe, laughter and surprise.
Choreographed by Dampier-born former West Australian Ballet principal dancer Jayne Smeulders, 'Tarantella' will be performed fourth in line.
A piece that celebrates the 'father of modern ballet' George Balanchine, the nimble act expands the traditional vocabulary of modern ballet.
Next on the line up, the historical classic 'Le Corsaire' will see dashing pirate Conrad reunite with his love, Medora with the dynamic duet sure to be a highlight of the evening.
The finale of the evening will be the newly created work from award-winning Australian choreographer, Garry Stewart, which premiered last month.
'Reincarnation' is a highly energetic contemporary work that explores the notion of what happens after death, with inspiration taken from other classical ballets.
Minister for culture and the arts and Mandurah MP David Templeman said it was important to bring arts to the regions.
“This government has a deep commitment to providing access and participation in arts and culture for all West Australians regardless of where they live," he said.
"Through the various performances, workshops and in-school activities, I hope you’re inspired by West Australian Ballet as they look to make long-term connections in the regions."
A Gala Evening with West Australian Ballet will perform at MPAC on Wednesday, April 3.
The program of education activities will take place at local schools and libraries between March 25-29.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the MPAC website or call 9550 3900.
