MEDIA RELEASE – West Australian Ballet ‘en pointe’ in Jakarta

14 April 2016

West Australian Ballet will perform in the Indonesian capital Jakarta for the first time in more than two decades, thanks to support from the Commonwealth and State Governments.

Joining West Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director to announce the August tour, Federal Minister for the Arts Minister Mitch Fifield and WA Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day, said the visit was made possible by $114,440 in Catalyst funding, along with $20,000 from the WA Government.

Minister Fifield said this was an exciting opportunity for West Australian Ballet to share its experience and expertise.

“The tour is a great acknowledgement of the standard the company has reached, and a wonderful way to build the relationship between West Australian Ballet and the burgeoning Indonesian arts sector,” Minister Fifield said.

Minister Day said that the tour would help further strengthen important cultural ties with Australia’s nearest neighbour.

“This will be an extensive educational and entertainment experience, but it also symbolises the strong and maturing partnership between our two nations,” Minister Day said.

“Exchanges like this are vital. Not only will our dancers be showcasing their talents to Indonesian audiences and students, I am sure there is much they will learn about Indonesian dance and culture, as well.”

West Australian Ballet will present a program of classical and contemporary works alongside performances by a youth ensemble comprising local Indonesian ballet students at the Jakarta Theatre, Taman Ismail Marizuki.

A series of workshops and masterclasses will also be held with local dance teachers and students, along with skills transfer sessions with Indonesian theatre technicians.