Lynette Wills, one of our most loved and dedicated dancers, bids farewell to The Australian Ballet tonight after a career spanning almost 19 years. She shares some of her favourite ballet moments.
Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake
I have such a special memory of being promoted to Principal Artist after the Sydney premiere of Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake. I was fortunate enough to dance the role Baroness von Rothbart many times. With each new season the character evolved and I would find myself portraying the Baroness differently. I feel emotionally attached to this role, and such a close bond formed between Steve [Heathcote] Madeleine [Eastoe] and myself as we told the story.
Don Quixote
I first performed Kitri in my third year in the company. It was a big opportunity for me. I was dancing with Andrew Murphy, who I had trained with as a child in Canberra, which made it extra special. I have performed Kitri several times since and, although it’s extremely exhausting, I love the cheekiness and energy of the role.
La Bayadére
The first principal role I performed with Steven Heathcote was Gamzatti in La Bayadére. It’s a beautiful epic ballet and another great character, with so much scope for personal interpretation. The last time I performed La Bayadére I was partnered by Robert Curran and it was my last show with the company. I was four months pregnant with Sophie.
Manon
I was chosen to play the Mistress for the simulcast of Manon at the last minute. I look at it now and don’t remember feeling any of the confidence I displayed while filming. It’s a role that really challenges you each night.
Agon
I have danced many roles over the years with Robert Curran. We have a mutual respect that makes us work well together. He is a generous and gifted partner and always sets you at ease to make you look your very best.
I really wish the AB kept their website news updated. If I had know this earlier, I probably would have made the trip into Melb to see her dance.
Best Wishes Lynette.
Hi Anja,
Thanks for your message. Lynette isn’t actually dancing this evening – her final performance was in La Bayadere in 2008 – she’s just taking a final bow at curtain call. Her retirement was announced to media just earlier this week, and the full story will be on our website tomorrow.
Cheers,
Kate
Dear Lynette
Thank you for giving such wonderful performances over your 19 years. You have been a delight to watch with your confident yet heartfelt dancing. My best wishes for the next stage of your life which I hope is filled with good health and happiness.
Thank you again
Diane
I wish you nothing but love, health & happiness as you move along your next path dear Lindy. I know whatever you do, you will always be a “Dancer”, continuing to bring warmth & inspiration to those around you.
Your dancing has given so much joy over all these years. Thank you my dear. I wish I had been able to join your tribute but circumstances determined otherwise.
Much love from Sandra & Ian
Congratulations Lindy on such a fantastic career. You are a beautiful, inspirational dancer and I enjoyed watching many of your performances – my favourite being the baddie Baroness in Swan Lake
Best of luck in your retirement, wishing all the health and happiness in the world for you and your family.
love
Alice xoxo
ps: I’ve been running a fan-site for you at http://lindy-wills.tripod.com – hope you like it!
It still would have been nice to see her.
I still wish the AB would keep things updated. I love the corps members and only found out one left the company when it was publish in the Dance Australia magazine, and we were never told when Andrea Parkyn left.
It would be nice if the news was a little bit more current.