Baw Baw Set to Host Ballet Under the Stars

Published on 13 September 2018

The Australian Ballet’s world class outdoor performance Ballet Under the Stars is coming to Baw Baw Shire in 2019.

The exciting announcement was made yesterday by Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined by The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David McAllister and Executive Director Libby Christie at Lardner Park, where the event will take place in October next year.

Baw Baw Shire Councillors Mikaela Power, Peter Kostos and Jessica O’Donnell were there to share in the exciting news.

Ballet Under the Stars is The Australian Ballet’s family-friendly, free annual outdoor performance and provides people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience ballet and a high-quality arts experience, many for the first time. The event was first presented in Melbourne in 1966 and has since been performed in Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin and Canberra.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci was thrilled with the Minister’s announcement to bring this famed and unique act to Baw Baw Shire.

“Ballet Under the Stars is an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the highest quality of dance performance by Australia’s largest ballet company closer to home, and best of all, free of charge”, said the Mayor.

“We expect the event to attract up to 10,000 visitors from across Gippsland and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned ballet fan or a first-timer, we encourage everyone to join in what will no doubt be a spectacular show.

“We’re proud that Baw Baw Shire will soon be a part of this wonderful and long-standing tradition alongside our partners at Lardner Park. We thank Minister Eren, The Australian Ballet, Latrobe Valley Authority and the Victorian Government for seeing merit in our bid and making this exciting opportunity possible.”

The program is supported as part of the Victorian Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund helping regional communities attract and stage major events to increase visitation and boost local economy.

Minister Eren said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Ballet Under the Stars to regional Victoria for the first time and I encourage everyone make a weekend of this wonderful event.”

More details about the event will be announced in due course.

Image: (Left to right) Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David McAllister, ALP candidate for Morwell Mark Richards, Cr Mikaela Power, Minister John Eren, Cr Peter Kostos, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP, Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Libby Christie, LVA CEO Karen Cain and Cr Jessica O’Donnell joined by ballet dancers. 

Image: West Ward Cr Jessica O’Donnell joins dancers from The Australian Ballet.