Lucinda Dunn, The Australian Ballet’s longest serving principal artist, is revered equally for her bulletproof technique and her sparkling approach to characterisation. As she prepares to tackle the complex and very demanding role of the Marschallin in Graeme Murphy’s The Silver Rose, Luci shares some of her favourite ballet moments so far.

The Sleeping Beauty
Aurora is one of the ultimate ‘ballerina’ roles to perform. It’s so pure and technical with big a story to tell, from Aurora’s 16th birthday right through to her marriage celebrations. Although I always find this ballet daunting and challenging, I have wonderful memories of performances where I danced to my full capacity. Plus, having a new version of a classic created on you and dancing the world premiere is every dancer’s dream.
Don Quixote
Don Quixote is another great technical, demanding and energetic three-act ballet, and  there are so many facets to the role of Kitri. I gained an Australian Dance Award for my performances in 2007.

After The Rain
Christopher Wheeldon, who choreographed After the Rain, was my pas de deux partner at the Royal Ballet School in London. During the Sydney season of After the Rain in 2007, all the other principal girls were off, so I danced this most beautiful pas de deux with three of our principal males alternating each performance. They were each very different in their style, and I loved the chance to respond to their interpretations.

Spartacus
Spartacus is a  great vehicle for the lead principal Flavia. The ballet has a real storyline, with strong characters exploring the tenderness of love and horrors of death. I had tears at the end of each show – the final pas de deux is very special to dance.

Romeo & Juliet
Every ballerina gets asked what their favourite ballet is, and Romeo & Juliet would be high on my list for sure! Robert Curran and I had many wonderful performances together. I love the character, the incredible score and wonderful pas de deuxs.

The Australian Ballet performs The Silver Rose in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in 2010. The Sydney season goes on sale to the general public on 12 February, but tickets to all other cities are available now.

Images:
01. Lucinda Dunn and Matthew Lawrence in The Sleeping Beauty. Photography Jim McFarlane
02. Lucinda Dunn and Matthew Lawrence in Don Quixote. Photography Justin Smith
03. Lucinda Dunn in After the Rain .Photography Jim McFarlane
04. Lucinda Dunn in Spartacus. Photography Jim McFarlane
05. Robert Curran and Lucinda Dunn in Romeo & Juliet. Photography Jim McFarlane