The Australian Ballet launches Live on Ballet TV

AAR-David-Hallberg-and-Principal-Artists-of-The-Australian-Ballet-photo-by-Pierre-TousianntThe Australian Ballet launches its new live-streaming program, Live on Ballet TV. This virtual platform will provide digital ‘seats’ for audiences to access real time in-theatre ballet performances from home with a high-quality viewing experience, starting with the company’s first 2021 production Summertime at the Ballet at Melbourne & Olympic Parks MCA on Sunday 28th February at 11.45am.

Ballet fans across the country and the world can get front-row seats to view Summertime at the Ballet live and streamed directly into their homes on any device. The offering includes pre-show entertainment, including bonus expert commentary and live interviews before the show and during interval, giving audiences a behind the scenes experience that is exclusive to the livestream.

“This great initiative means we can share the magic of a live performance with more people than ever before regardless of their location, making ballet equally accessible for Australians as well as viewers around the world,” said David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet.

“It also means we can showcase the incredibly talented dancers we have here in Australia to ballet lovers globally. It is an important part of my vision to propel The Australian Ballet into the international spotlight and share their artistry with the world.”

“I wish I had the opportunity as a young dancer to see my ballet heroes performing live from my house. That’s what excites me about Live on Ballet TV; we can now bring live performance into all communities around Australia and the world.” says Hallberg

Audiences will be able to view the live performance of Summertime at the Ballet on any device – computer, tablet, mobile phone – as well as being able to cast it to their TVs. The live-streamed performance is viewable once, and available to watch for 48 hours to accommodate international audiences and anyone who can’t make the live time.

Live on Ballet TV is an important initiative to bring ballet and the arts to more people. Equally, it gives our audiences the opportunity to see this wonderful program Summertime at the Ballet if they don’t yet wish to return to the theatre,” said Executive Director of The Australian Ballet, Libby Christie. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on The Australian Ballet’s return to the stage and through Live on Ballet TV we want to share our performance with as many people as possible.”

“We would very much like to thank the Australian Government for their support for this initiative with a Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) grant, which will help fund our live-streamed performances. We are also very grateful to our Principal Partner Telstra for their invaluable support to bring this digital initiative to life.”

The Australian Ballet will partner with 5Stream to bring Live on Ballet TV to screens across the world. 5Stream have extensive experience in delivering live-stream solutions for performing arts companies such as Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The MET, Sydney Opera House and The Royal Ballet.


The Australian Ballet will be offering a special introductory offer of $25 a ticket at its first performance of 2021, Summertime at the Ballet. Tickets to Live on Ballet TV will be sold via The Australian Ballet’s website making the process simple and accessible for all. For more information, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.

Image: Artistic Director David Hallberg (centre) with Principal Artists of The Australian Ballet – photo by Pierre Toussaint