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16 May 2024
An unmissable spectacle for ballet fans, Pas de Deux in Paradise is being held at qualia in the Whitsundays from Sunday 17 May to Tuesday 21 May, and features work from acclaimed British choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon OBE.
Pas de Deux in Paradise, a collaborative project between The Australian Ballet and qualia, is hosted at the luxury resort every two years, where ballet’s brightest stars dance beneath tropical night skies against the magnificent backdrop of the Coral Sea.
This year, under The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David Hallberg’s creative vision, qualia guests will enjoy a Pas de Deux from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland© as well as other contemporary works from choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon OBE.
His impressive catalogue of award-winning works also includes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals MJ The Musical (2022) and An American in Paris (2015).
Guests can also experience the enchantment of Anne Wooliams’ reimagined Swan Lake, with the captivating Siegfried and Odette Act III Pas de Deux.
Mr Hallberg, who made history when he became the first American to join the Bolshoi Ballet under the title premier dancer in 2011, says, “Pas de Deux in Paradise is a landmark event that intertwines the grace of The Australian Ballet set against the stunning backdrop of qualia.
“This year, we elevate the experience to new heights with enhanced production values and the esteemed presence of Christopher Wheeldon, signaling a commitment to excellence and innovation.
“The event will feature excerpts of Wheeldon’s impressive catalogue of contemporary award-winning works, symbolising our forward-thinking approach to ballet.
“It's an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where artistry meets aspiration, celebrating the transformative power of dance and the enduring beauty of ballet in a setting that's nothing short of paradise.”
Hamilton Island CEO, Pete Brulisauer, says, “We’re delighted to welcome back The Australian Ballet for its ninth year. At qualia we strive to create extraordinary experiences for our guests, and there’s nothing more spectacular than watching these incredible dancers perform under the stars against the backdrop of Australia’s beautiful Whitsundays.”
Pas de Deux in Paradise is hosted bi-annually and this year, guests can also delve into the world behind the curtains and gain insights into the world of art, performance and creativity with a Q&A with Mr Wheeldon OBE and Mr Hallberg.
Jason Fowler (a repetiteur for Christopher Wheeldon), will also be conducting personalised ballet classes for guests which will be accompanied by a pianist.
Packages for two guests start from $4840. Reservations can be made qualia.
Note to editors:
About qualia
Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most sought-after holiday destinations, and world-class luxury resort qualia – is the jewel in the crown. Nestled into the northernmost tip, it’s surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, with natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, diverse flora and fauna, yacht club and golf course on its own island. qualia features 60 individual pavilions, including spacious one-bedroom freestanding pavilions with sundecks or private infinity edge plunge pool, and the uncompromising luxury and privacy of the Beach House, with its own guest pavilion. Hamilton Island is the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with an airport, and easily accessible, with flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and holds many exclusive and world class events all-year round.
About The Australian Ballet
The Australian Ballet is Australia’s national ballet company and since its inception in 1962, it has collaborated and commissioned to produce the highest standards of ballet and dance to create an arts organisation planted in today’s times, for today’s audiences. Enriched by Australia’s most talented dancers, it constantly wins fame at home and internationally for the unique Australian style, which is athletic, authentic, bold and expansive, and tours to major international cultural centres. Pas de Deux in Paradise is a collaborative project dreamt up by The Australian Ballet and qualia, and the intimate showcase is held under starlight at Pebble Beach bi-annually.
