Music Of The Australian Ballet At The State Library

This bookish take on ballet is a fitting finale in what has been a stunning series produced by The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria.

With tobacco-stained desks, jade green lamps and endless rows of books, Melbourne’s State Library proves to be a grandeur backdrop for the theatrical performance.

Full of fouettés and fondue, the antique furniture of the library is used as part of the performance to great effect, as the ballerina prances atop desks and chairs, using the tables as leverage for his lithe legs. A unique birds-eye view of the illuminated library with the solo dancer fleeting in and out is powerful, while the final image of the dancer taking a book and opening its pages to read is a lasting one.

This video is a particularly significant one, as it is the final curtain call for one of their beloved dancers. The Australian Ballet’s Daniel Gaudiello announced his departure from the company just last week. This is one of his final pieces, created with choreographer Alice Topp and the Principal Trumpet of Mark Fitzpatrick.

Daniel decided to pirouette away from the stage and focus on new artistic and personal pursuits. His exceptional performance of Vitesse on the 21st of March was his very last performance with the company.

A perfect swan song to celebrate his 12 years with The Australian Ballet, and one which renders a unanimous standing ovation.