Bespoke is Queensland Ballet’s yearly evening of contemporary dance. It’s an annual opportunity for the company to stretch boundaries and for the dancers to extend their abilities. It’s a chance for all involved to explore the realms of movement beyond classical ballet.
On Thursday night (31 July) at the Thomas Dixon Centre, three young choreographers presented world premieres of their works. I was disappointed and underwhelmed. Overall, the evening fell short of all other wonderful Bespoke performances I have attended in previous years.
Unusual for an open night, the intimate Talbot Theatre was not filled to capacity. As the evening progressed, the numbers decreased.
Prior to the evening’s commencement, an announcement welcomed the distinguished guests who were present. They were Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, governor of Queensland, former Governor General, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek MP.
It was not a good night to invite dignitaries. This was not Queensland Ballet at its brilliant best. The vibe which prevailed in the venue felt heavy with a negativity that refused to lessen.
Initially, the program commenced well with Yolande Brown’s Nhamgan Ngali Nyin, we all see you. This is a well designed work.
A proud Bidjara woman, Yolande is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist. This work was the highlight of the evening and one I would happily watch again. The production had depth, beauty and meaning.
There was a clear connection between the work and the choreographer. A creative vision had been realised. Guest artist, Tyrel Dulvarie was central to the performance and dominant throughout.
Assistant to the choreographer, he is a standout dancer and performer. His muscular physique and handsome looks are an addition to the fluidity, lightness and grace of his impeccably timed movements.
The only prop was a simple, large, flat dish but it added something to the production. So too, did the choice of music reflecting natural elements such as flowing water.
Unfortunately, despite the enticing creative vision described in the program, and a cute puppet, the last two performances were disappointing. The risk of presenting three world premieres at once, by young, still developing choreographers, paid low dividends.
The atmosphere in the small theatre felt strained. That feeling increased as audience numbers thinned out. Sitting in a row of vacated seats, I felt uncomfortable.
It’s public knowledge that Queensland Ballet have sustained significant financial loss in the last year. Positions of significance have been culled in accordance with cuts to the company’s budget. That includes conductor, Nigel Gaynor and Assistant Director, Greg Horsman.
Dancers are gone. Some, like star principal, Patricio Reve to pursue other opportunities. Currently the company has no male principal dancers and none in the Senior Soloists.
The burden of all the above would have to weigh heavily upon the shoulders of the remaining dancers. It would explain the dispirited atmosphere which prevailed all evening. The training and abilities of the current dancers has not diminished. But they seemed crushed and disheartened as they performed.
Until recently, I had viewed and described Queensland Ballet (as built up by Li Cunxin) as world class. Currently, I would describe it as a company in decline.
It’s not my role to propose solutions. I’m an Arts reviewer. Whatever the genre, I’m there to review a production, a performance. I would be an inauthentic critic if I failed to notice or to comment on unsuccessful production outcomes.
I sincerely hope that Queensland Ballet can find a way forward.
Bespoke
Talbot Theatre – Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End (Brisbane)
Performance: Thursday 31 July 2025
Season continues to 9 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Images: Tyrel Dulvarie in Nhamgan Ngali Nyin, we all see you (Yolande Brown, 2025) – photo by David Kelly | Artists of Queensland Ballet in Nhamgan Ngali Nyin, we all see you (Yolande Brown, 2025) – photo by David Kelly | Artists of Queensland Ballet in Curious Beings (Amelia Waller, 2025) – photo by David Kelly | Artists of Queensland Ballet in Newborn Giants (Robert Binet, 2025) – photo by David Kelly
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan