World premiere

Choreographer Loughlan Prior
Costume Designer Emma Kingsbury
Lighting Designer Kristie Smith
Music Judd Greenstein and Mark Dancigers, performed by Now Ensemble

I first visited Perth in the summer of 2019 to see West Australian Ballet perform at the stunning Quarry Amphitheatre. It was an unforgettable experience—being immersed in the beauty of that breathtaking outdoor stage, set against nature’s vast expanse, and witnessing the extraordinary artistry of the dancers. That moment has stayed with me ever since, inspiring my vision for The Wild Between Stars, a contemporary ballet that explores themes of connection, longing, and self-discovery.

This evocative work embarks on a journey through the infinite universe, where human emotions and physical form mirror the vast beauty, mystery, and constant evolution of the cosmos. Through a fluid choreographic language, the dancers traverse an unknown celestial landscape, reaching for connectedness across the wild expanse of space. The choreography draws inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful music of the Now Ensemble, whose shifting tones and textures evoke a sense of wonder. The body is transformed by Emma Kingsbury’s ethereal costume designs, allowing the dancers to appear as though wrapped in drifting nebular clouds.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to David McAllister for the generous invitation to create this new work, and to the exceptional staff and dancers of West Australian Ballet for their passion, artistry, and dedication to world-class performance.
- Loughlan Prior

World premiere

Choreographer Tara Gower
Cultural Consultant Trevor Walley
Costume Designer Rika Hamaguchi
Lighting Designer Kristie Smith
Music Stephen Pigram, Uncle Mick Manolis and Isaiah Walley Stack

Ripples pays homage to the importance of identity stemming from our connection to land, saltwater and freshwater as First Nations peoples. In collaboration with Whadjuk Noongar Elder Uncle Trevor Walley, Traditional Owner of the area in which the Quarry is located, the power of our buru (Country) is celebrated. This work highlights the significance of our waterways, creating ripples of awareness to protect our environment.

The music plays an important role in portraying an even deeper, more personal narrative to the work. The story of my Grandmother’s country, Lake Eda, and the generations before her. This context is set in Uncle Mick Manolis’ compositions Bandarlmarra Jabi (Bird Song) and Kate in collaboration with Iain Grandage. Bird recordings by Uncle Stephen Pigram from our country steered Uncle Mick’s composition, later coming to a crescendo in the final section, Walganyagarra Buru by Uncle Stephen, with Iain Grandage and the Australian String Quartet.

Serendipity guided the process, bringing us all together.

The polarity of Northern and Southern WA, Freshwater and Saltwater, First Nations and Non – Indigenous, contemporary dance and ballet is explored and melded together in a hope to find something new, promote reconciliation and celebrate our rich untold history from First Nations point of view.

I dedicate this piece to the matriarchs of my family, including my 92-yearold Grandmother Juantia Gower and Mother Elaine Rabbitt.

Special thanks to Isaiah Walley-Stack, Kiarn Doyle, Maddison Fraser for sharing their liyan (Spirit) and movement contributions.

Thanks to Rika Hamaguchi, Craig Lord-Sole and the dancers of West Australian Ballet for bringing their respected expertise to help weave the dance work in collaboration with my creative vision.
- Tara Gower

World premiere

Choreographer & Costume Designer Lucas Jervies
Lighting Designer Kristie Smith
Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

February 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s monumental Piano Concerto No. 1. To celebrate, I’ve collaborated with the extraordinary dancers of West Australian Ballet to create a ballet that captures the work’s fabulousness!

As a queer artist, it’s no surprise that I am drawn to the flamboyance and sheer melodic brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s work. This concerto, with its soaring melodies and dramatic flourishes, feels like a celebration of his own, frowned upon, queerness. His legacy continues to inspire, and I cherish the works he has left behind for us to enjoy.

Although my own technique never quite matched my admiration for ballet, I’ve always loved the art form. This is one of the reasons I love creating; it allows me to be in the studio with artists I admire while learning from their incredible technique and contributing my own vision. Ballet is a dynamic and ethereal art form, and I relish the collaborative process of bringing it to life.

In the studio, this new work began with a reflection on my own artistic journey, revisiting elements from previous ballets and exploring how they resonate with the profound themes in Tchaikovsky’s music. Working closely with dancers, we’ve built upon this foundation, bringing a fresh perspective to this iconic score while honouring it’s enduring legacy.

Ultimately, this ballet is a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s dramatic flair, of ballet’s captivating beauty, and of West Australian Ballet’s wonderfully talented dancers. Everything’s beautiful at the ballet!
- Lucas Jervies