The Australian Ballet

Outstanding as always. Don Quixote did not disappoint. Congratulations to the Director for achieving what seemed impossible, to keep performing the Classics with a Modern Twist for new audiences. The Classics are the fundamental basics for new artists, without them, there is a 'loss in translation' for future generations. Do not distort what is already a masterpiece, just play with them without taking out the essence of the Classics please. Australian dancers impeccable! Loved the costumes and the Opera Orchestra superb! Thanks for a wonderful performance!

These two works were so different it made for an exciting night at the ballet. Both had brilliant scores; the music was outstanding. As a long-time subscriber, seeing principal dancers from the past return for Paragon" brought me to tears; it was so emotional. The only negative was the ballet's decision to allow audience members to eat ice-creams in the venue. The slurping of the woman behind me was incredibly distracting."

The dancing and costumes in Identity were amazing and the music was outstandingly wonderful and exciting, however we found it to be far too long. The second half of the program was extremely enjoyable, and it was so nice to see some of our favourite dancers back on stage. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

A beautiful experience as always. Paragon was absolutely superb and we loved seeing our favourite aus ballet alumni return to the stage! Hum was far too long and didn’t capture us.Also, heating was way too high in the state theatre! though the lovely usher took on board our feedback and did her best to assist.

The first dance production - The Hum - was, to be honest, Ho Hum - quite boring, it totally lacked any excitement and I had absolutely no understanding of any interpretation of the performance. Others sitting by me and also in my group felt the same. Very disappointing.Conversely, the second production - Paragon - was incredible. So much vitality, great costumes, backdrops and photographic memories very creatively presented. To see our past fave dancers was amazing. We absolutely loved the second performance.

We absolutely loved Don Quixote! Marcus Morelli and Jill Ogai were wonderful. Their solos were powerful and mesmerising.Absolutely loved the set, it was amazing especially because it was the original from 1973!

Such a sublime performance. The staging, the costumes, the music all magnificent. BUT the most amazing part was the dancing and the acting and the pure emotion that had one engulfed in the performance. Such a beautiful tribute to Rudolf and Robert and such vibrant yet controlled performances. Congratulations to all involved, I didn't want it to end and the curtain calls and the cheers were testament to the excellence. I also feel the horse" needed a standing ovation. Well done Australian Ballet!!!"

I should preface my review by saying I always prefer the Sydney ballet and don’t usually go to the Australian ballet. I purchased a ticket because they were contemporary choreographies, which is what I enjoy, not traditional classical ballet. I didn’t really engage with the first performance, neither the costuming or music appealed. The second performance had excellent costuming, but the music was still too traditional for me. The most distracting thing was that the female dancers all had grins plastered on their faces. The male dancers obviously didn’t have the same brief. This was so irritating to me, it is insincere and detracts enormously from the women’s artistry and athleticism. Occasional smiles balanced with other natural expressions would be far more authentic. The dancers are not spokesmodels, I think it is sexist and very dated. The absolute redeeming feature of the performance were the photos in the backdrop of past performances and costumes that referenced the era of those ballets. Really exceptional. In addition, the presence of the older dancers was an absolute highlight. One woman in particular with grey hair was so exquisitely talented and left the younger dancers in the shade, and her facial expressions were totally appropriate!

I really enjoyed Hum but the main reason I chose to go to this performance with my daughter was to see those dancers who have retired and also say farewell to Adam Bull who we have loved watching for many years. I have been going to Australian Ballet performances since the 1970s. To see so many of the dancers I have loved over the years was very emotional, especially the final scene at the barre