Ever wanted to get inside the head of a swan? Maybe not, but how about the ballerinas who play the doomed swan queen Odette in Swan Lake?
Thanks to the upcoming Conversation - Beyond Black Swan: The Psychology of Swan Lake curated by QUT Professor of Dance Gene Moyle, the opportunity awaits to hear firsthand from two of American Ballet Theatre's top ballerinas - principal dancer Paloma Herrera and former principal dancer Martine van Hamel, as well as the home grown talent of former Australian Ballet principal Lucinda Dunn and former Queensland Ballet principal Rachael Walsh.
Professor Moyle has arranged three Conversation Series events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to mark the inaugural tour of the much respected American Ballet Theatre to Australia. The series takes an in-depth look at ballet from the perspectives of choreographers, dancers and musicians.
"Not only is it the company's first ever season in Australia, Brisbane is the only city in which they are performing," Professor Moyle said.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to hear how world-leading dancers emotionally manage and psychologically prepare for the dual role of the vulnerable, pure Odette and the powerful, scheming Odile.
"It's not just about dancing the steps, it's about living the part."
Professor Moyle said the opportunity for QUT to participate in the ABT's season was largely due to the relationship link between Professor Judith McLean who is chair in Arts Education at QUT and scholar-in-residence at QPAC.
Conversations #2 Beyond Black Swan is on at the Cremorne Theatre at QPAC at 5.30pm on Saturday, 30 August and Conversations #3 Dance Partners: Music and Movement is on Wednesday, 3 September - where American Ballet Theatre's music director and conductor Ormsby Wilkins will discuss with Richard Wenn from QSO, how the music, when accompanying dance, has a role in its own right. The series is free but bookings are essential.
