26 July 2010

Help secure a better future for arts in WA

Of the $92 million provided by the Federal Government for Australia's 28 major performing arts companies, just $7 million (7%) is allocated to Western Australia (which has 11% of Australia's population). That means WA's State companies have to work even harder to provide quality performances for Western Australians.

In the last Federal funding review in 2007, West Australian Ballet achieved an increase of just $25,000 (out of $6 million national distribution). Less than 0.5%!
 
In the lead up to the Federal election, you can help achieve an improvement to funding for the arts in WA by writing or emailing your local Federal Member and opposition candidate, to ask what their opinion and position is on culture and the arts and whether they are prepared to make a stand for a better outcome for West Australian Ballet and WA's flagship companies.
 
TOGETHER we can work for a brighter future for artists and arts companies in WA, and produce even better art for all Western Australians.
 
Thank you for taking the time to make your views known.  To read a sample letter, click here.

23 July 2010

Sweet Kisses at the Lipstick Barre

The Sleeping Beauty Lipstick Barre will take place on Friday 17 September. This is the West Australian Ballet's evening of love, lust... and lipstick. This season we are excited to have new partner, Baci Chocolates, on board to help us rejoice in the triumph of true love's kiss!  

On February 14 in 1922, lovers in Italy exchanged the first Baci chocolates. Today, Baci chocolates are still made in Umbria, Italy where they have been produced for more than 85 years. Every time you share a Baci chocolate, you're exchanging a kiss with Italy and with someone you love.

The Baci experience includes not just the divine dark chocolate, gianduia nut chocolate and whole hazelnut, but also, the unwrapping of the silver lining to reveal a hidden love note - just one of a series of 150 carefully selected notes.  

Our friends at Baci are giving you the opportunity to win a special $250 Baci "chocolate kisses" prize pack.  All you need to do is come up with your own hidden love note - inspired by The Sleeping Beauty.  We will announce the winning message at the Lipstick Barre.
 
Email your original love note (20 words or less) to arobertson@waballet.com.au

19 July 2010

Spotlight on The Sleeping Beauty Auditions

West Australian Ballet is involving the wider community in its forthcoming production of The Sleeping Beauty.  This is the largest production ever staged by our Company, with over 40 dancers plus an additional 24 children of varying ages.

On 26 June, Ballet Master Craig Lord-Sole and Assistant Ballet Mistress/Education Officer Jennifer Loth held an open audition, attracting over 180 young people! It was an incredible response, much to the delight of Artistic Director Ivan Cavallari, who has invited all of those unsuccessful to attend a masterclass he will personally host. 

Ivan says "For this production we wanted to involve as much as possible the Perth community... to see 180 kids at an open audition - this is wonderful."

Congratulations to all who attended and we look forward to seeing the successful dancers on stage in September.