Melbourne Ballet Company 2016

Melbourne Ballet Company - Intention and Desire - Season Membership

The Melbourne Ballet Company (MBC) which is a not-for-profit organization is seeking your generous support. Our present goal is to raise an extra $15,000 to help underpin our 2016 season entitled Intention and Desire. We expect this to be an extraordinary new MBC season – comprising two triple bills as well as a new full-length narrative program, together with two already well-received programs from our repertoire. The Company is offering you in return for your support the opportunity to become a 2016 full season member, and thereby play an important role in the ongoing development of this exciting and dynamic arts organisation.

Membership

Donations of $100 - $199 will receive Silver Membership – with the following benefits:

- Silver Memberships holders to be mentioned in every performance program; and 
- Enjoy two complementary drinks at any MBC performance throughout 2016

Donations of $200 - $499 will receive Gold Membership, with benefits including;

Gold Memberships holders to be cited in every performance program 
- Enjoy two complimentary drinks at any MBC performance throughout 2016
- receive two complimentary tickets to any MBC performance throughout 2016

Donations of between $500 - $999 to receive Platinum membership with benefits including 

- Platinum Memberships holders to be cited in every performance program; 
- Enjoy four complimentary drinks at any MBC performance throughout 2016 
- Receive four complimentary tickets to any MBC performance throughout 2016 
- 50% off two tickets to any MBC performance throughout 2016/17
- Both you and your guest are invited to one post performance event in 2016 – to join us for a post performance drink and hors d’oeuvres 
- A gift from MBC

Donate $1000 + and receive a Diamond membership 
Benefits include;

- Memberships holders will be mentioned in every performance program 
- 4 complementary drinks at any MBC performance throughout 2016 
- 8 complimentary ticket to any MBC performance throughout 2016
- 50% off 8 tickets to any MBC performance throughout 2016/17
- An invitation for you and a guest to all post performance events in 2016 - join us for a post performance drink and hors d’oeuvres 
- Also receive a gift from MBC

Intention and Desire

Next year’s Intention and Desire program, created by Resident Choreographer Simon Hoy, will feature no less than seven new works from some of Australia’s foremost choreographers. Timothy Harbour, Lucas Jervies, Rani Luther, Timothy Podesta, MBC dancer Alexander Baden-Bryce, as well as the work of Simon Hoy, come together to present what promises to be a stellar season. This Premier Melbourne Season can be envisaged as a trilogy, embodying some quite unique creative expression together with much choreographic diversity. Each individual program is positioned around a central theme, so that each successive program adds a new chapter to the overarching concept – ‘Intention and Desire’. While individual programs stand alone, they can also be seen as components of the complete Melbourne season. In 2016, the Company will also tour Divenire and Archè throughout Australia and New Zealand – and will present over 30 performances and some 50 dance workshops during this period. 

THE VEIL OF MAYA ...illusion over reality 

The first part of this new trilogy explores the concept of illusion versus reality. The Veil has been described as a frightening illusion which can obscure human perception of reality - what exists and what does not.

For many who believe that in love we find completeness – such a delusion is regrettable – blinding men into falling in love. The opening ‘chapter’ of the trilogy ‘Intention and Desire’ which presents a reflection of a distorted world clouded by disturbing shadows.

EMPYREAN ...an intellectual light full of love 

In the second ‘chapter’ of this trilogy we explore the concept of Empyrean: the outer sky, closest to purity, a source of unconditional love. In stark contrast to the first part of the trilogy, our second program describes a world reigned over by harmony and light, and surrounds us with a feeling of bliss in contrast to the prior anguish of illusion.

GUERNICA ... a story of humanity

The third and final ‘chapter’ is Guerica which  completes the trilogy using an original story inspired by Romeo and Juliet. In this finale to our series, the Veil of Maya and Empyrean join together to form a unique story, where hatred, regret, and ignorance are seen to lose the battle against a level of love that transcends human powers: a love that, despite the Veil, can reach the Empyrean!

Touring Programs

ARCHè… the principle from which all things arise (based on Swan Lake)

Archè is an innovative production that takes its inspiration primarily from the age-old classic, Swan Lake.

Archè explores and embraces much of the original narrative and some of the classical repertoire. Director Simon Hoy has structured this work to reflect his unique choreographic style and has linked this with a powerful musical score comprising music excerpts drawn from Tchaikovsky, Einaudi, Arnalds, Morricone, Jean-renaud and Elgar. The end result is an emotionally charged production which has already received extremely positive critical acclaim and is suitable for audience everywhere.  

DIVENIRE… to become 

Divenire is a striking presentation of precision and impressive athleticism featuring four works created by Director Simon Hoy together with dance-maker Tim Podesta - also with international credentials. This work has already toured successfully within Australia. While the beauty of classical ballet and related works is driven by a narrative or message, this program sets out to push the boundaries of the genre further, while at the same time revealing some of the great strength and versatility that Melbourne Ballet Company has become known for. 

MBC and Intention and Desire 

Simon Hoy and Alisa Finney started the Company in 2007 with the express aim to offer both artists and audience a new and different experience of ballet. Still pursuing this aim, the Company is constantly evolving. Since the Company began MBC took care to employ professional dancers and choreographers with strong credentials and has also worked hard to develop a unique style of ballet. Importantly - since its 2007 launch - MBC has always presented original work, some of which at the time might have been thought of as ‘challenging’ to audiences. Despite this, after nine years of hard work has seen MBC build strong audience attendance throughout Australia - and beyond. Archè and Divenire can be seen in many ways to be a culmination of this process - it very fitting that these works are incorporated into our new season: Intention and Desire.

Melbourne Ballet Company consists of a team of acclaimed artists, all of who developed their skills and experience in some of World’s most renowned companies and schools. Including The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company, West Australian Ballet, La Scala Milan, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet New York, Ballet Mainz, Carolina Ballet, the Royal Ballet School and Australian Ballet School. In more recent years the Company has also included artists formerly from Queensland Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, the Netherlands Dans Theatre, The Paris Opera Ballet and Hamburg Ballet. Such a depth of talent and experience means that all of our programs are delivered to the highest professional standard.

The Melbourne Ballet Company holds to the view that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the magic of world-class classical and contemporary ballet – so as well as our seasons in capital cities, we have presented a progressively increasing number of regional performances and workshops in our annual programs. Having toured extensively throughout Australia since 2011, we believe we are already making a significant contribution towards shaping the future of dance in Australia. 

With the clear aim to improve access to the Arts and quality entertainment for regional Australians – the Company is determined to deliver excellence throughout Australia while always endeavouring to remain financially viable (thus we are constrained so that our travel costs, which are necessarily significant, cannot become disproportionately high). The Melbourne Ballet Company is also known for providing the very high levels of performance and dance education to many Australians while seeking to keep ticket prices affordable – and at the same time keeping our production costs down. This approach has allowed our Company to reach many communities that larger companies do not include in their tours. 

"A joyful experience!"
The Age

"I came out of this performance feeling uplifted"
Dance Australia

"Essential and compelling viewing"
The Herald Sun

"lyrical, generous and optimistic"
The Age

"a program of thoroughly enjoyable contemporary ballet."
Dance Australia

"energetic, evolving and constantly unfolding"
Dance Informa

"The Melbourne Ballet Company can boast not only a cast of proficient performers, but a resident choreographer in Simon Hoy whose movement signature is lyrical, generous, and optimistic - somewhat reflective of the buoyant spirit of this young contemporary ballet company."
The Age

“Effortless lifts and transitions from classical to contemporary choreography were expertly executed by this troupe of adept dancers, and the stage presence and pure happiness shown in the performance was truly joyful.” 
Planet Arts Melbourne  

"Equisite is the only word to describe Melbourne Ballet Company's latest production Archè!" 
The Melbourne Observer

"Melbourne Ballet Company’s Archè was a ballet like no other. A ballet from the outside, but when magnified; was far from traditional. Drawing on inspiration from The Greek Myth- Leda and the Swan and The Dying Swan; Simon Hoy developed a traditional Swan Lake story with a twist. Dark and mysterious, Archè challenged the old and new aspects of ballet. The combination of a talented cast and creative choreography lead way for a compelling performance. Ballet fanatics or not, this piece would suit all audiences. A stunning performance by all.” 
Dancetrain 

Melbourne Ballet Lab Sharing Series  

Throughout 2016 the Melbourne Ballet Company plans to conduct a series of conversations with you the audience members. Melbourne Ballet Company wishes to know more about what you love to see so during 2016 we plan to give you the opportunity to meet with members of our creative team to engage in conversations and share your thoughts on where you think dance in Australia is going in general and how Melbourne Ballet in particular can best direct our energies to present for you more of what you want. 

This Lab Sharing Series will be held at our wonderful headquarters now at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, where you will meet with choreographers, directors, musicians and our wonderfully talented dancers. So don't miss this unique opportunity where you as audience members can become more involved in 'curating' what you would like to see. 

Workshops 2016

As part of the 2016 touring schedule, MBC will be giving over 50 Masterclasses throughout Australia. Our workshops and Masterclasses have also been designed to be accessible to people of all ages and levels of experience. The Company also collaborates with venues and local schools across Australia to assess the level of demand and caters to each community accordingly. For example, many locations have established dance schools with senior students and teachers who can benefit greatly from our masterclasses in contemporary and classical techniques, and also from our choreographic workshops which provide an opportunity to experience new and innovative dance techniques. Students are given the opportunity to be taught by some of Australia's foremost artists and teachers, and to learn current repertoire, gaining further performance appreciation - this strategy has proved also to increase audience numbers. 

MBC In Association with the Hawthorn Arts Centre 

MBC is also very proud to be based at the recently redeveloped Hawthorn Arts Centre. The Hawthorn Arts Centre is a heritage-listed building that embodies both elegance and grandeur, with an intriguing mix of contemporary and traditional design - which is a good fit for MBC as the Company is both steeped in tradition but also mixed with a strong sense of innovation. Since 2014, MBC and the Hawthorn Arts Centre have worked in partnership to produce three programs - Divenire, Lucidity and Archè. MBC is keen to further develop this relationship in 2016 - and indeed to further establish the Hawthorn Arts Centre as our ‘home’ theatre in Melbourne. 

MBC Tour dates 2016

MARCH

Veil of Maya

    4th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm  
    6th - Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm
   11th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm 
   12th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm 
   12th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm 

Archè

   19th - Burrinja Arts Centre, Upway VIC - 7:30pm
    March 26th - April 17th USA TOUR

APRIL 

Archè

    29th - Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT - 10:30am 
    29th - Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin NT - 8pm

MAY

Archè

    26th - Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford NSW - 7:30pm 
    28th - Dubbo Regional Theatre NSW - 7:30pm

JUNE

Archè

    1st - The Drum Theatre, Dandenong VIC - 7:30pm 
    2nd - The Drum Theatre, Dandenong VIC - 7:30pm 
    4th - Glen Street Theatre, Sydney NSW - 7:30pm 
    5th - Glen Street Theatre, Sydney NSW - 7:30pm
    8th - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre NSW -  7:30pm  
   9th - Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre NSW - 11am

Empyrean

   11th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm 
   17th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm 
   18th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm
    26th - 30th - MBC Winter School Hawthorn Art Centre, Melbourne VIC 

JULY

Divenire

    8th - The Q, Queanbeyan NSW - 7:30pm 
    9th - The Q, Queanbeyan NSW - 7:30pm
    16th - Wyndham Cultual Centre, VIC - 7:30pm 

Guernica

    21st - The Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm 
    24th - The Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne VIC - 2pm 

Archè

    28th - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm
    30th - Horsham Town Hall Theatre, VIC - 8pm  
    31st - The Alex Theatre, Melbourne VIC - 7:30pm

AUGUST

Archè

    10th - Empire Theatre, Toowoomba QLD - 7:30pm 
    11th - Byron Bay Community Centre NSW - 7:30pm
    12th - Byron Bay Community Centre NSW - 7:30pm
    14th - Jetty Theatre Coffs Harbour, NSW - 2pm
    14th - Jetty Theatre Coffs Harbour, NSW - 7:30pm
    19th - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm
    20th - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm
    21st - ASB Theatre, Marlborough, NZ - 7:30pm

Support from individuals and corporations is essential to develop artistic excellence and secure the future of the Melbourne Ballet Company as one of Australia’s most dynimic dance companies. Together our carefully selected dancers, choreographers and designers have strived to achieve a style that is uniquely our own. With your support the company will help shape the exciting future of dance in Australia.

We invite you to come along for the journey. Whether you are a Corporate Partner or an Individual donor we see you as a valuable part of our community and we thank you.