En Pointe: The Australian Ballet School, part of Morning Melodies, at Hamer Hall

Ballet is in wonderful shape for a rich future if the performances of students from The Australian Ballet School at Hamer Hall are anything to go by.

They presented a magnificent five dance repertoire, incorporating classical ballet and creativity, including a new work from choreographer Lucas Jervies. The latter was developed in partnership with the Australian National Academy of Music.

The hour-long program featured students from three different study levels – 6, 7 and 8*.

First up were the most experienced students, the girls immaculately turned out in all white, while it was black and white for the men.

With music by Antonin Dvorak (Polonaise in E Flat Major) and choreography by Lucinda Dunn OAM and Andrew Murphy, what stood out for me were the skilful pirouettes.

Next on the card were the intermediate students performing to excerpts from The Seasons Opus 67 by Alexander Glazunov, with choreography by Stephen Baynes.

With rich blue costuming by Hugh Colman, courtesy of The Australian Ballet, a feature of this piece was the men lifting the women in a circle. 

Level 8 students again took to the stage for the original work by Lucas Jervies, with music from Paul Terracini. Twelve performers and 12 musicians, led by maestro Yoram Levy, played brass instruments to accompany the dancers.

Multicoloured costumes, human chains, vigorous movement – Fight or Flight, as it was called, had a sporting feel.

My personal fancy followed. Simply stunning, colourful costuming (courtesy of Lehenda Ukranian Dance Company), set the tone for human pyramids and circle work by Level 6 students that was lively fun.

The choreography was by Melanie Moravski Dechnicz, with music being Traditional Hutsulshchyna.

The program was completed with the longest work, again featuring the senior class and, like the third act, choreographed by Lucas Jervies.

This was traditional ballet at its finest, involving a great deal of couples’ work to excerpts from Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor Opus 23 by Tchaikovsky. 

With original lighting design by Kristie Smith, a reddish hue matched the elegant costuming. It all came together beautifully.

The Australian Ballet School’s Artistic Director and Head of School Megan Connelly also took to the stage before the final piece. She acknowledged the contributions of those that make the work of the school possible.

She and her students were very much en pointe in a production that was positively delightful.

Fortunately, The Australian Ballet School's performances have become an annual tradition as part of Hamer Hall’s Morning Melodies' series. 

* Level 6 students are completing their Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance), which they undertake in conjunction with year 10 and 11 academic studies.

Level 7 students are enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). The qualification combines comprehensive dance training with a strong onsite academic program. The course focuses on technical training and artistic development, preparing students for the dance profession. At the same time, they complete their secondary schooling. 

Level 8 students are undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet. It prepares them for the dance profession at a virtuoso level. It does so by refining their dance technique and developing their professional skills through career development activities and performances. This includes a secondment with The Australian Ballet’s Regional Tour.