The Australian Ballet has announced that the company’s Artistic Director, David McAllister AM, will after two decades in the role, retire at the end of 2020.
“David has taken The Australian Ballet to new heights during his two decades as Artistic Director,” said Chairman Craig Dunn. “He has decided that his 20th anniversary year is the right time to hand on the artistic directorship of the company he joined as a dancer straight out of The Australian Ballet School in 1983.”
“His leadership of the company has been extraordinarily successful and he will leave an enduring legacy. The company will begin celebrating David and his enormous contribution when we launch his final 2020 Season in September and throughout next year as David’s final season unfolds around the country,” Dunn added.
Born in Perth, David McAllister joined The Australian Ballet in 1983 and was promoted to principal artist in 1989, dancing many principal roles. Throughout his career, David has also made numerous guest appearances worldwide. In 2001, he took his final bow as a dancer, and in July of that year, David became Artistic Director of the Company. In 2004, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List.
“I feel that it is a perfect time for the company and I to look to the future and I feel honoured to have been a part of The Australian Ballet both as a student, dancer and artistic director for what will be 40 years when I leave at the end of 2020,” said McAllister.
“It is going to be a wonderful 18 months to enjoy my time with the company and I look forward to handing on a vibrant, talented and creative company to the next artistic leader.”
For more information about The Australian Ballet, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: David McAllister AM – courtesy of The Australian Ballet