What’s Happening?
Queensland Ballet is taking its dancers and productions to more Queensland communities in 2027, with Toowoomba included in the new season.
Queensland Ballet will open its 2027 season in Toowoomba with Hamlet at the Empire Theatre on 19 and 20 February 2027.
The Toowoomba opening follows the production’s acclaimed 2026 Brisbane premiere and signals the company’s growing commitment to presenting major productions across the state.
Why It Matters
Opening the season outside Brisbane reflects Queensland Ballet’s commitment to bringing major company productions to more communities across Queensland.
Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega said the arts play an important role in connecting people and strengthening communities.
“At Queensland Ballet, we believe the arts are essential to the human experience. They move people, bring communities together and help shape a stronger future,” Gil-Ortega said.
That vision extends beyond the company’s Brisbane home, with Gil-Ortega emphasising that Queensland Ballet should be accessible to people across the state.
“Queensland is our home, and Queensland Ballet should belong to every Queenslander, whether they live in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast or in one of our regional communities.”
Local Impact
In Toowoomba, that statewide approach will see the city host the opening of Queensland Ballet’s 2027 season.
The company is also partnering with Toowoomba Council to bring ballet closer to local audiences and create more opportunities for communities to experience its dancers.
Gil-Ortega said the partnership is part of a wider effort involving councils across Queensland.
“We are delighted to partner with Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Redlands and Bundaberg Councils to bring ballet closer to audiences and create more opportunities for communities to experience the artistry of the dancers. That is the Queensland Ballet we are building.”
By The Numbers
- 12 hours of Giving Day fundraising will run from 9am to 9pm on 6 October alongside Queensland Ballet’s season launch.
- Every donation will be quadrupled by a group of match donors during the campaign, increasing the value of each contribution.
- $1,000 becomes $4,000 during Giving Day, while $10 becomes $40 and $100 becomes $400 under the matching arrangement.
Zoom In
Hamlet is choreographed by Croatian choreographer Leo Mujić and returns following its acclaimed 2026 Brisbane premiere.
Queensland Ballet describes the production as dark, cinematic and intensely physical. It explores grief, betrayal, love and revenge through dance.
Beyond Hamlet, the 2027 program includes the Australian premiere of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Doña Perón: The Story of Evita. A new My First Ballet production of The Little Prince will also feature, narrated by actor David Wenham.
The season also includes ICONS: Ballet’s Greatest Hits, Elegantly Wasted, Strictly Gershwin, the Academy Gala and The Nutcracker.
Zoom Out
The wider program marks Gil-Ortega’s second season as Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director. It combines major productions, regional partnerships, family works and celebrated ballet repertoire.
Gil-Ortega said Queensland Ballet will take more of its work into communities across the state.
“In 2027, we are quite literally sharing the stage, taking the dancers and productions to more Queensland communities, opening our doors to new audiences and collaborating with partners across the state.”
The season announcement also coincides with Queensland Ballet Day, which brings the Annual Season Launch and Annual Giving Day together for the first time.
Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe highlighted the role audiences and supporters play in helping the company share ballet across Queensland.
“Every ticket purchased, every young dancer enrolled in our Academy, every community program attended and every donation made helps Queensland Ballet continue to create extraordinary work and share ballet with communities across the state,” Weerasinghe said.
What To Look For Next?
Queensland Ballet Day takes place on Tuesday, 6 October, with Giving Day running from 9am to 9pm. Proceeds from a special Costume Sale at the Thomas Dixon Centre will also contribute to the fundraising total.
Weerasinghe invited Queenslanders to support the company as it looks ahead to the new season.
“On 6 October, we are inviting Queenslanders to stand side by side with our dancers and our entire Queensland Ballet community as we celebrate what comes next and help make that future possible.”