Tan lines had to be avoided at all costs as four exquisite dancers from The Australian Ballet rehearsed on a custom-built poolside stage at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. Factor 30 sunscreen was applied liberally as Yosvani Ramos, Stephanie Williams, Ty King-Wall and Kristy Corea perfected their pas de deux for a one-night-only performance: a culmination of one month’s preparation. “You can’t have dancers with lines across their back,” said The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Valerie Wilder, who incidentally helped apply the sunscreen.
The previous evening, over a scrumptious dinner of seared scallops, lamb loin and eggplant caviar, about 200 guests probed the dancers and Artistic Director David McAllister during a Q&A session. The audience were showered in honesty and insights. “You never stop dancing. It’s dancing that gives you up. You can’t do what you want anymore”, reflected McAllister who, after 18 years of dancing, retired from the stage in 2001. Other topics included career injuries, body image, life after ballet, and the hefty cost of pointe shoes.
Ramos revealed he’s twice watched the film Mao’s Last Dancer, Corea gushed over the realisation of her childhood dream (which is to dance for The Australian Ballet, of course) and McAllister remained baffled over ballerinas’ commitment to wearing “torture shoes” all night then teetering on stilettos at opening night after-parties.
As the outdoor performance drew near, a cocktail hour and a stunning sunset welcomed the assortment of guests mingling with MC Catriona Rowntree and McAllister. A lofty, bright moon appeared over the Long Pavilion and the dancers gave their all. Close proximity meant we counted sweat beads and heard King-Wall’s gasps for breath, mesmerized by his heaving chest. We witnessed pas de deuxs from Giselle, Grand pas classique, Le Corsaire and Swan Lake.
The sublime performance and surrounds were a thrill, but it was Rowntree who made us all giggle. “It was so exciting to see you in your cossie down by the pool” she declared to a super-fit Ramos before requesting a salsa move. Ramos, originally from Cuba, happily obliged with an impromptu performance.
Donna Demaio – Arts and Entertainment reporter for Radio 3AW and Fairfax Digital
McAllister remained baffled over ballerinas’ commitment to wearing “torture shoes” all night then teetering on stilettos at opening night after-parties.
– Neither are good for your feet. So if you’re damaging your feet already, a little more won’t hurt
How inspiring! What a beautiful performance.