Final tickets are now on sale for Moonlight Ballet, a special outdoor collaboration between HOTA, Home of the Arts and Queensland Ballet taking place exclusively at HOTA from 10-12 November.
Moonlight Ballet features a Queensland Ballet double bill, with an explosion of music, colour, and rock ‘n’ roll swagger under the stars, inspired by the music of the Rolling Stones and the swinging 60s.
“Presenting Queensland Ballet’s Giselle on the Outdoor Stage to over 1500 people in 2020 was an incredible experience,” said HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke.
“Our audiences have always loved Queensland Ballet, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back for another exclusive Gold Coast season.”
The experience will begin each evening with a rare opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes of a professional ballet class, as the Ballet Misters/Master will wear a microphone as they direct the company through warm up before the show.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO will take part in a Q&A live on stage as the company prepare for their double bill, sharing tales of the company and his career, much of which was documented in his best-selling autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer, which was adapted as a feature film in 2009.
Ballet fans of all ages will also be treated to photo opportunities with company members each night.
Audiences are in for a treat with Queensland Ballet’s two one-act performances – Christopher Bruce’s Rooster and Jack Lister’s B-Sides.
With infectious energy and toe-tapping tunes, including music by the Rolling Stones, Christopher Bruce’s Rooster is an ironic look at the 60s and the attitudes of the times.
It’s an exploration of male chauvinism, with strutting dancers in vibrant period-era costumes performing innovative solo and breathtaking partner work. With movement motifs woven through the eight distinct pieces, this jubilant celebration of arguably one of the most vibrant decades of all time will leave audiences bopping in their seats.
The swinging 60s theme continues in B-Sides by Jack Lister – a rising star recognised in The Australian as a ‘young choreographer who is going places’.
This fusion of colourful kitsch and seamless contemporary choreography is presented to a recording of hit 60s pop songs, with each new song phased in through the sound of a spinning vinyl record. Lister says B-Sides is ‘for the introverted, extroverted, eccentric, neglected, rejected, loved, battered yet joyful soul which ultimately lives in us all.’
Evocative, fun, and a tribute to the classic dance moves of the decade, this work on relationships and exploring sexual identities will sweep audiences away with its engaging effervescence.
With food trucks, a fully licensed Concert Lawn, and seamless contemporary choreography, this incredible experience will have audiences bopping along on their picnic rugs and dancing out of their seats.
Moonlight Ballet is the latest collaboration between HOTA and Queensland Ballet, following a sellout season of The Sleeping Beauty in February 2022.
The two cultural institutions having announced their official partnership in late 2020, with HOTA becoming Queensland Ballet’s home away from home.
Said Li Cunxin of the partnership, “To truly be Queensland’s ballet company, we strive to engage meaningfully with the wonderful communities that make up our state. I am thrilled to announce that we are officially calling another part of Queensland home and are establishing our roots on the Gold Coast from 2022.”
Moonlight Ballet makes the most of HOTA’s Outdoor Stage and has both seated and picnic-style tickets available for purchase from $20. Hampers are also available to pre-purchase, and the HOTA Bar and a selection of food options will also be available to enjoy on the fully licensed Concert Lawn.
For more information visit, hota.com.au/moonlightballet
Media contact: amy@m10.com.au