Queensland Ballet's New Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega
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Ivan Gil-Ortega is Queensland Ballet's new seventh Artistic Director.
The former principal dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet, Gil-Ortega, aged forty-seven, has a strong international presence in the world of ballet. He has over 25 years in the field, holding extensive roles with companies and creatives around the world, including Principal Dancer, Assistant Director, Artistic Consultant, Freelance Rehearsal Director, Stager, and Coach. He speaks five languages and will relocate with his family from Zurich Switzerland to take up the post in early February 2025.
Queensland Ballet's executive director Dilshani Weerasinghe said,
"Ivan joins us with some exciting ideas in all these spaces, is already known to some in our donor family, and we are very much looking forward to his fresh thinking and energy. "
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Ivan's appointment is a bright start to an exciting 65th anniversary year for Queensland Ballet.
"Queensland Ballet is a global name and over the next seven years, there will be opportunities for our talented performers to shine in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Gil-Ortega has strongly indicated his enthusiasm for his new role:
"I am truly excited to step into the role of Artistic Director at Queensland Ballet. This is a Company I have always admired and one that has dared to dream big. It feels like everything has aligned perfectly to make this the right opportunity for me and for Queensland Ballet - the people, the place, and the potential. This is a dream come true for me and my family, and I am eager to add my energy and passion to the inspiring Queensland Ballet team. "
What is a real coup for Queensland is that Gil-Ortega is already familiar with the Queensland Ballet having collaborated on Queensland Ballet's sell-out production Strictly Gershwin presented to Brisbane audiences in 2016 and 2023, acting as right-hand to Choreographer and Director, Derek Deane.
He also danced in Shanghai Ballet's production of The Lady of the Camellias in Brisbane in December 2024.
On a more personal note, we were impressed with his character dancing in this recent production. In Weekend Notes, 7/12/2024 we wrote this about him;
"Another standout moment was the performance of Ivan Gil-Ortega, originally from Spain and renowned internationally, who portrayed Armand's father. A decade after retiring from performance, Ortega brought both maturity and depth to this malevolent role, showcasing his profound understanding of character. "
We also particularly love this quote from Gil-Ortega which speaks to the passion and warmth he will potentially bring to his new role;
"Once you've had experience in your own life, it's easier to come out with the interpretation. I don't really think about the steps. It's more about being in that moment. That's what I really enjoy. If I can touch at least one person in the audience with what I'm doing then I've arrived at my goal."
In further news, Queensland Ballet has revealed that Li Cunxin (Artistic Director 2013-2023) would be returning in the newly created role of chair of its endowment fund to build on visionary pledges directed towards Academy Scholarships, the Jette Parker Young Artists Program and the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute. In my view, this seems to be a perfect fit. Li has a passion for developing young dancers and he has a prodigious gift for bringing donors and sponsors on the journey to bring the world-class vision to Queensland.
"I look forward to sharing more news of our plans soon and am very excited to be working closely with Ivan, Dilshani and the QB team to truly make a difference, " Mr Li said.
" There can be no higher honour than ensuring that QB continues to thrive forever, beyond me and all of us."
Images: Karine Grace
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#classical_music 302362 - 2025-02-01 04:36:08