Margie Maccoll
Noosa ALIVE Festival burst on to the stage last Friday night with a sensational full house performance that included a world premiere work by Queensland Ballet, a week ahead of the 10-day festival which kicks off today.
Marking an 11-year collaboration between Noosa ALIVE and Queensland Ballet the performance delivered a formal classical ballet work, Holberg Suite by Greg Horsman, and a world premiere contemporary work, Papillon, by acclaimed choreographer Jack Lister.
The audience was also treated to discussion with Queensland Ballet’s new artistic director Leanne Benjamin, a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet in London for 21 years, before retiring in 2013 and turning to coaching for her former company and at major companies around the world.
Leanne joined Queensland Ballet at the invitation of its former artistic director Li Cunxin who also attended the ballet in Noosa last week.
Born in Rockhampton, Leanne told the The J Theatre audience what drew her back to Queensland Ballet where she had previous coached their principal dancers was being a Queenslander and having followed the company’s journey as Li took over.
“I saw the company go from strength to strength. It was absolutely marvellous when Li invited me out to work with the company,” she said.
“I had such a wonderful time with the company.
“It had a real sense of community, a lot of warmth, a lot of love, a lot of hard work from the dancers. It reminded me of who I am and how I’ve always worked as a dancer.
“It’s home. It’s where I grew up. I always such a sense of community in Rockhampton and feel that in Brisbane and feel that here in Noosa.
“This stage reminds me of where I grew up.
“To dance on a stage like this enables you to dance on any and a bigger stage anywhere in the world.”
When asked about her own career Leanne said it was anything dramatic she preferred to perform, but Romeo and Juliet, a piece she had danced all over the world, held a special place in her heart.
She said it was wonderful for today’s audiences to have variety and for dancers to have the opportunity to dance many different styles, which gave them strength and showed their skills.
Looking to the future of Queensland Ballet she said there was much to look forward to.
“It’s about how we take something that’s working so incredibly well and take it into its future – just to think about what stories we’re going to tell and what music we’re going to play and what you all will enjoy and want to come and see.
The festival will deliver a variety of theatre, music, song, literature and food to venues across Noosa opening today with The 7 Sopranos at The J Theatre and performers including Australian Idol winner Wesley Dean on Main Beach at the Bendigo Bank Marque at Seaside Vibes.
Throughout the week you can catch a lineup of Australian talent at Satu in the Beyond at The J, a dining experience on Main Beach with Twilight Classics or Words & Music, an evening with John Bell of the renowned Bell Shakespeare Company and pianist Simon Tedeschi.
For a bit of magic Tim Ellis will perform Timeless Magic at The J this Monday or be amazed at the card playing tricks of Harry Milas in Close Encounters.
Take the kids along to The Box Show for some eco-friendly interactive fun or Reputation on the Beach, perfect for a kids party.
Enjoy some delicious dishes at the Italian Long Lunch at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant or Sensational Seafood at Rickys River Bar and Restaurant.
For those who enjoy a whodunnit be part of the action in Murder Village.
Don’t miss a Noosa favourite, Meow Meow, some of the literary events and the chance to see some local talent free at Noosa STARS Alive.
For more information and to book visit noosaalive.com.au
