China Dolls and the last whisper…

The Company are busy dancing once again in our studios at the Thomas Dixon Centre, West End, so it is time for our last post. Thank you for coming on tour with us to China. We hope you all enjoyed our first blog – the Company was very happy to share their tour stories and we plan on bringing you more behind the scenes stories throughout the year…so stay tuned.

We also hope you all saw the ‘China Dolls’ fashion spread in The Sunday Mail’s U on Sunday magazine on 13 April, featuring Company dancers Kathleen Doody and Iona Marques. If you didn’t get the paper, check out these gorgeous behind the scenes shots. The images were taken by photographer David Kelly, who accompanied us on the Shenzhen leg of the tour. David took some absolutely gorgeous photos, which we’ll be adding to our Facebook page and queenslandballet.com.au  very soon.

The Company arrive safely in Brisbane and Soloist Nathan Scicluna pops in with tales of his travels…

 

Nathan in rehearsals with François

The Company arrived safe and sound in Brisbane this morning. Soloist Dancer Nathan Scicluna popped in to see us earlier to share with you his stories from the Qingdao leg of the tour…

Day 2 in Qingdao started off with a banquet of amazing food for breakfast. Since I was sharing accommodation with fellow Soloist dancer Yu Hui, my day was pretty much planned for me as he knew where to go for amazing sightseeing of the city. After breakfast a group of us decided to get the bus to the harbour, which was much cheaper then getting a cab – a task that would have been impossible without translation help from Yu Hui!

The harbour was huge with a temple at the edge of a wharf about 1km out into the ocean, with a great perspective of the surrounding city. The city would have to be about three times larger then Sydney, and is set around the ocean – it took us about an hour to get from the hotel to the harbour. Keian and I bought a strange little contraption that looks like a stapler to sew our ballet shoes – the man we bought it from delighted us with an amazing demonstration, but we can’t get ours to work now!

We were all feeling a little peckish – the city is famous for its seafood, so Yu Hui took us for another amazing banquet for lunch, which included some strange creatures from the sea! After surviving lunch it was shopping time… So it was off in a cab to the markets.

Markets in Qingdao

Goodbye China & photos of Changzhou from Company Dancer Melissa Tattam

The Company say goodbye to China today after their final performance at Dongguan Yulan Theatre last night, and so The Little Mermaid China tour has come to an end. We wish them safe travels today and look forward to having them back in the studios later this week.

In the meantime, check out these gorgeous pics from Company Dancer Melissa Tattam’s time in Changzhou. And the tour might be over, but stay tuned for more photos, videos and stories from the road over the next week or so…

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First time on tour…Rian Thompson, Company Dancer

This is Company Dancer Rian Thompson’s first time on tour…and overseas. We caught up with Rian before he left for China…

How long have you been dancing with the Company?

I have been a trainee dancer for two months. Before that I did two years as a Professional Year student with Queensland Ballet.

Are you excited about the tour?

Very.

Have you been to China before?

No – this is my first trip overseas! I’ve only left Queensland once before in my life, to go to Sydney for a ballet workshop, so this trip is very exciting for me.

Have you been on tour before?

Yes. I toured with the Company last year on our regional tour with Swan Lake, which was a lot of fun. It was an amazing feeling performing in my home town of Mackay – that was definitely a highlight. I also went to places I’d never been before like Townsville. I’ve seen a lot more of Australia since working with Queensland Ballet, and now China!

Have you packed?

Not yet…

What will be in your suitcase?

It will be fairly empty, as I plan to do lots of shopping! But I will have ballet gear, including  ballet flats, rehearsal t-shirts, tights and make-up. And definitely warm clothes.

So you’re planning to do lots of shopping?

Absolutely! And Suzhou is the home of silk, so I’ll be buying my Mum some silk from there.

How have you been preparing for the tour?

It’s been an intense few months learning Carmen, rehearsing for our Vis-a-vis Prelude season and of course learning The Little Mermaid.

Have you performed The Little Mermaid before?

No, this is my first time. I saw the production in 2008 when I was a QDSE (Queensland Dance of Excellence) student.

What role are you playing?

In Act 1 I’m a sea creature and in Act 2 I play a courtier and a spirit.

What do you like about the production?

I love the emotional journey that the Little Mermaid goes on. My favourite scene is the Sea Witch scene – the music is beautiful. I also love the spirit scene – I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s very dramatic.

What do you think you’ll gain from this tour?

Rian Thompson & Piran Scott, 'Walking Street' Wuhan

A broader mind and respect for another culture. I think this tour is going to be a big eye- opener for me, especially being my first trip overseas. I feel very proud to have the opportunity to dance with Queensland Ballet on an international stage.

What do you think Chinese audiences will think of The Little Mermaid?

I think they’ll embrace it and love it.

Back in time to Quigdao to hear from Company Dancer Iona Marques…

Iona Marques, Company Dancer

Company Dancer Iona tells us about her time in Qingdao…

Friday 25 March

Day 10

Ni hao Australia!

It’s day 10 of our China Tour and I am loving it! Old and new, traditional and modern, China is a BIG country and still growing… Constructions and development everywhere we’ve been! New roads, bridges, houses, shopping malls, you name it, and there’s no stopping it! Everything you’d expect from a country that has to cope with the demands of the biggest population on earth.

Today we are off to Qingdao, our fourth stop on the tour so far. And for almost three days Sophia Hotel will be our home. Just a couple of blocks from the beach, this has to be the most beautiful place so far! Looking out to the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is famous for hosting the sailing competitions in the  2008 Beijing Olympics.

Exploring Zhengzhou with Jodie Roche, our wonderful Stage Manager

Our lovely Stage Manager Jodie sent us a post about her well-earned time off in Zhengzhou…

Stage Manager Jodie Roche and our tech whiz Cameron hard at work at the console

Monday 28 March

The Company arrived in Zhengzhou, in the Henan province, on Monday afternoon and because bump in wasn’t scheduled to begin until Tuesday morning, we had a few hours to explore the neighbourhood.

Zhengzhou

Francis, Cameron and I made the most of this free time (and not being in the dark of a theatre!) to go exploring our new neighbourhood for the next few days.

View of the city

The streets surrounding our hotel were amazing.  There was so much character, and the tree-lined streets were beautiful.

Bikes in Zhengzhou

Of course, it wasn’t exactly a relaxing, leisurely stroll – there are plenty of bicycles and scooters on the footpaths, and the electric scooters creep up on you without you even noticing!

Exploring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zhengzhou roads

There were even more great photo opportunities the next day, when we began bumping in at the Henan Art Center.  Architecturally, this building is amazing, an it contains the Grand Theatre, a music hall, a small theatre, a museum of fine arts and a museum of art.

It was a lovely clear day, which gave us plenty of opportunites to take some great photos before getting the show up and running for Wednesday night’s performance…

Jodie

The theatre

Henan Art Center

Wuhan tales…from Sarah Thompson and Keian Langdon

Soloist Keian Langdon and Company Dancer Sarah Thompson take us on their Wuhan adventure…

Tuesday 5 April

View of the Yangtze River from the hotel

The Company left Zhengzhou and travelled nine hours by coach to Wuhan. We arrived at the Holiday Inn, which has beautiful views of the majestic Yangtze River. Despite being a little weary, some off the dancers headed to the city’s famous ‘walking street’, where the shopping was endless and the streets were lit up by massive LCD signs.

Rian Thompson & Piran Scott, 'Walking Street' Wuhan

We had the following day off so many of us spent the day shopping for a bargain in the markets and malls while others ventured to the temple and the Yellow Crane Tower.

The next day and we were off to the Wuhan Theatre for class, technical rehearsal and our first show in Wuhan. All of the theatres have been beautiful, with very interesting architecture, huge stages and most of the auditoriums seating more than 1,500 people.

Wuhan Theatre

Wuhan Theatre was no exception. The side and back stage areas were at least four times bigger than the stage itself. The audience, mostly consisting of children and their parents really appreciated the performance. The show was a success and we went back to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

On the morning before the second show it was sunny and the warmest weather so far on tour, about 16 degrees, so after

Cherry blossoms in full bloom on the river

breakfast we took a stroll along the bank of the river. The beginning of spring had brought out the cherry blossoms and many families where outside enjoying a public holiday.  The park by the river had many impressive sculptures and murals which showed Chinese myths and fairytales. Then it was back to the theatre for the second show.

Peter and Edna Scott, who are the parents of Company dancer Piran Scott, were in the audience that night so following the performance Yu Hui took them, the dancers and François and Robyn out to a delicious Yum Cha restaurant to celebrate. We ate like kings. Tamara Hanton tried Duck for the first time and loved it. The Company had a great time in Wuhan, but now it is time to fly to Shenzhen for the next leg of the tour!

Sarah & Keian

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Soloist Dancer Yu Hui returns to dance in China for the first time

The Company has arrived safe and sound in Shenzhen, Brisbane’s Sister City. Tonight’s performance is a very special night for one of our Soloist Dancers, Yu Hui. Originally from Wen Zhou in China, Yu Hui left his family when he was 12 years old to begin his dance training at the Zhejiang Art School in Hangzhou.

Yu Hui, Soloist Dancer

In 2001 he was awarded a full scholarship to study at the New Zealand School of Dance for two years, after which he was offered a contact with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. He took up a contract with Singapore Dance Theatre during 2006 and in January 2007 joined Queensland Ballet.

Yu Hui is now dancing professionally in his home country for the first time, and tonight he will perform in front of his family for the first time since he started dancing. We chatted with with Yu Hui before he jetted off to China about how he was feeling….

How are you feeling about going on tour to your home country?

Great, very excited. I’ve never danced professionally in China before, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m a bit worried about the cold weather though!

Yu Hui outside Qingdao Grand Theatre

Will your family be coming to watch you perform?

Yes. My mother, my sister and my nephew are coming to watch when we perform in Shenzhen. This will be the first time they’ve ever seen me dance professionally.

What can you tell us about ballet in China?

China has lots of different companies. Every company has a different style – the variety of styles is very eye opening, some are technical, some are contemporary and some are very musical.

What do you think Chinese audiences will make of The Little Mermaid?

A lot of the cities we’re going to aren’t as familiar with ballet as the bigger cities like Shanghai. But the story is very well known throughout China – I knew it when I was younger. I hope they like seeing it as a ballet.

Have you packed yet?

No….not yet.

What will be in your suitcase?

Warm clothes, 5 – 6 pairs of ballet shoes, leg warmers, trunk pants and some make up – mascara and foundation.

How will you keep your energy up during the tour?

The same way as every tour – I will look after myself. I have toured to Japan, Europe and Singapore and have learnt how to keep fit and healthy.

Last words?

All my life I’ve wanted to perform in China – that moment has arrived. I’m very excited. I’m also looking forward to exploring China – I’ve never been to any of the cities we are performing in.

Photo diary of Changzhou from Kathleen Doody

Two posts from us today. Another gorgeous photo diary from Kathleen Doody and the dancers… happy viewing! Don’t forget to have a read of Lina Kim, Katherine Rooke & Blair Wood’s diary post from Zhengzhou in ‘Latest Posts’ too…

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Ni hao from Zhengzhou!

As the Company settles in to Shenzhen, Brisbane’s sister-city, let’s hear from Company Dancers Lina Kim, Katherine Rooke & Blair Wood who joined forces to bring us their stories from Zhengzhou…

Thursday 31 March

Ni hao from Zhengzhou!

Lina Kim & Katherine Rooke - entrance of Shaolin Temple

We are so glad that we could enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of the Shaolin Temple. It was a bit of a climb to reach the top of the temple but there were many shrines to see along the way, each enshrining a different Buddha. Each piece of architecture showed the history of this temple, and the amount of detail that was put into it.

We ventured out into the city to have a look at the Er’ Qi Memorial Tower, which commemorates a strike that happened on 2nd of July, 1923.

Er' Qi Memorial Tower

It is the busiest commercial area in Zhengzhou and even the Henan Province and is surrounded by some of the best restaurants and shopping. We found a street full of markets so decided to check it out. It was definitely an experience full of miscommunication and bargaining. We had a lot of fun though.

Rehearsals were a little challenging because the theatre turns the heating off on the 14 of March and it was hard to keep warm, but all in all everything went smoothly.

Henan Art Center

At the close of the first show we were lucky enough to receive a small standing ovation and at the end of the second show we had photos taken with the Mayor’s assistant and received bouquets. Both audiences were quite responsive.

And so our stay in Zhengzhou has come to an end. On to Wuhan now for another adventure!

Over and out. Lina, Katie & Blair

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A Chinese Experience – diary from Company Dancer Gemma Pearce

Company Dancer Gemma Pearce shares her experience of touring in China with us…

Gemma Pearce, Company Dancer

Touring is part of a dancer’s life. It’s not only an opportunity to share our unique Company with the world, but a challenge for us as individuals as we venture into the unknown. There will undoubtedly be long bus trips,  but we’re sure to have some amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

This is my first time in China. Is it what I expected? The food is, with a wide array of dishes containing mystery ingredients. A trip to the supermarket is an experience in itself, usually ending with us buying ten things with interesting packaging, or a funny name, and then tasting at our own risk. If you’re ever wondering, Blueberry potato chips taste as bizarre as they sound!

The shopping is certainly what I had hoped for. There are huge department stores with nearly (just nearly) too many shoes,  and then there’s the street markets where you can barter for anything from pearls to puppies. I was hesitant at first to try  this, but after a while it becomes like a game. Offer them half of what is being asked – they react as if shocked and offended  by the offered price – you go to walk away, and they inevitably chase after you! Did I mention the plethora of faux designer  bags, wallets, and watches? Let’s just say that there’s more than enough to satisfy a whole company of  dancers and their  lucky relatives.

One thing I didn’t expect was what seems to be an absence of any sort of road rules. When catching a taxi , I grip the  doors and seats in fear, as we weave in and out of traffic, with no indication, sometimes on the wrong side of the road, and  have near misses with buses and pedestrians alike. Crossing the road on foot is another matter. I find myself asking myself –  how badly do I need to be on the other side of the road?

When we’re not out shopping and trying to survive traffic, we’re of course dancing. It’s been a bit of a challenge to stay  warm inside the large theatres here, but the expansive stages are very enjoyable for us to dance on without having to restrict any movements.

Gemma in China with Company Dancers Tamara Hanton & Sarah Thompson

Show time feels a bit like being in a movie at a cinema. The audience chatter throughout, and continue to enter the theatre, navigating their way to their  seats in the dark, well into the first act. The applause might be quieter compared to what we’ve experienced at home and in Europe, but we’re told that this isn’t a reflection of the audience’s enjoyment of the performance – it’s just part of the culture in China.

It’s been amazing having the opportunity to do something I love, with my best friends, and to do it in China.

Gemma

The halfway mark – Cameron posts from Zhengzhou

As the Company prepare for their final performance in Wuhan tonight – let’s hear from our tech whiz Cameron about the Company’s time in Zhengzhou….

Thursday 31 March

Henan Art Center

Tonight was a mile stone on the tour. We are now half way through our performances in China. Only six more to go!

Last night’s show in Zhengzhou, Henan, was attended by hundreds of excited children who loved the opening underwater sequence.

This theatre is amazing and the building design is epic. It contains the Grand Theatre

Theatre Auditorium, Henan Art Centre

(which we are performing in), music hall, small theatre with a museum and art gallery. Inside is no less impressive.

The side walls of the proscenium are carved stone that are shaped to the curve of the wall.

Carved stone

Side wall of theatreCarved stone

Today was the crew’s first morning off, and most of us have taken the opportunity to have a wander around the city of Zhengzhou to take in some of the local sights.

Wiring on the side of a building

They have an interesting take on public wiring here.

We were excited to find a poster for the show inside the entrance to an upscale department store.

I am still struggling to remember which side of the road they drive on, and that the road rules are more like guidelines than actual rules. Also, scooter riders have no fear and will take on buses.

Time to get ready to head for our final performance in Zhengzhou.

Buses versus scooters

Photos from the road…

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Our Mermaid inspires Shenmei, 15, to follow her dancing dreams…

Our tour sponsor Jellinbah organised for a group of children involved with the Half the Sky Foundation, a charity that offers care and support for orphaned children in China, to attend The Little Mermaid performance at the Hefei Grand Theatre on 21 March. We received some gorgeous feedback from Shenmei, 15, which we simply had to share with you…

Impression of the Ballet, The Little Mermaid from Shenmei, 15

At 6:30pm, March 21, we left the institution for the Little Mermaid at Hefei Grand Theatre. The performance was fantastic, and i was so impressed that i told my teacher:” they are so gorgeous and i want to perform like them.” The ballet tells of a story of little mermaid, a beauty familiar to everyone. I lost myself in their perfect movements and their graceful sky-blue skirts.

The performance reminded me of the little mermaid story I had read from a book. It was the first time I had watched a story in the form of dance, and I was inspired to act out stories like them. These foreign actors, like swimming mermaids in the sea, made me believe that only persevering daily practices can make this masterpiece possible. I felt shame that I had failed to take each dancing class for fear of tiredness and boredom. Now that I saw their awe-inspiring work, I am determined to go all out for my dream that one day I can, like them, stage such a performance.

Back home, I still couldn’t get it out of my mind. If only I can watch it once more.

Outside the Hefei Grand Theatre

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. They establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and offer loving permanent family care, medical care and guidance for children with disabilities.  It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in their life and a chance at a bright future.

5 minutes with… Frances Pyper, QB’s Wardrobe Assistant

As the Company make their way to Zhengzhou after performing in Qingdao Grand Theatre, let’s hear what QB’s lovely Wardrobe Assistant Frances Pyper had to say before she left. Read on for a wonderful insight into the world of wardrobe…

What’s your role at QB?

I am the Wardrobe Assistant. This mainly involves making the costumes, dressing the dancers, maintaining the costumes during productions and looking after the storage of costumes. Plus a myriad of other tasks that add more interesting challenges to an ever changing work load.

What will be your job on tour?

I will mainly be dressing the dancers, looking after the maintenance of costumes, and packing and preparing the costumes between each of the venues.

Lisa Edwards shares her Chinese Whispers from Suzhou…

Company Dancer Lisa Edwards sent us her diary from Suzhou. Photos coming soon…

Lisa Edwards

Wednesday 16 March

After a long trip from Brisbane we finally arrived in Suzhou.The company flew into Shanghai and here we were met by John Ballard, our tour organiser, and ” Alice ” (her English name), our tour manager. Alice is a very bright, bubbly, and funny lady willing to go out of her way to ensure we have a wonderful experience in China.

We took a bus transfer to Suzhou, experiencing for the first time what the Chinese roads were like! This was just the beginning. The company had the rest of the day free so quite a few little groups ventured to the Old Town, which is surrounded by a moat, giving the city the name of ” The venice of the east ” .

It is very cheap to travel by taxi, just a little bit crazy and a little bit scary. It was an experience in itself. Cars will go wherever they want, up the footpath, the wrong side of the road, u turn at any point and beeping horns seems to be almost a sport!  Not to forget the mopeds and bikes thrown into the mix! There were also no seatbelts in the back, you just had to hold on tight. All of us are finding these cab experiences priceless : )

The old city had a great mix of market shops with silks, paper cutting, jewellery, hand embroidery and interesting chinese sweets. Whilst at the market I was also approached by a group of teenage girls who all wanted an individual photo with me! The blonde hair is definitely getting me a lot of extra attention here. Mel and Frances had a good laugh while they took photos of the girls taking photos with me.

Suzhou in pictures from Company Dancer Kathleen Doody

We asked Company Dancer (and keen photographer) Kathleen Doody to provide us with a photo diary from every stop of the tour. Here’s the first one from Kathleen…enjoy!

Suzhou in pictures

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Suzhou Grand Theatre seen through the eyes of Company Dancer Gareth Belling

Company Dancer Gareth Belling sent us a video to show us the full effect of the Suzhou Grand Theatre from the outside…

Take 1: Suzhou Grand Theatre

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“A beautiful theatre and a great start to our Chinese adventure. The Suzhou Grand Theatre is a stunning building of metal lattice work designed like a giant bird’s nest. The stage was huge and the facilities superb. And to top it off, it lights up!”

News from QB’s debut performance in China

News has landed that the Company’s first three performances in China (two in Suzhou and one in Hefei) were a success! The dancers and crew travelled today to their third destination – Changzhou. Tomorrow they will bump in to Changzhou Grand Theatre and rehearse for their next performance on Thursday evening.

In the meantime let’s go back in time and hear about what the Company have been up to in Suzhou and Hefei. We’ve got quite a few photos and interesting posts to share with you. First up let’s hear from the crew’s perspective about how the Company’s debut performance in Suzhou went….Tomorrow we’ll hear from some of the dancers.

Cameron Goerg, Technical Whiz and star blogger

Friday 18 March

After a hectic couple of days getting everything set up, lights focused, sound checked, and dancers spaced, we rehearsed The Little Mermaid, then opened on Friday night.

Securing the lighting bars in Suzhou Grand Theatre

With Jodie Roche, our indomitable Stage manager keeping the show running, everything went to plan.

Our stage manager Jodie Roche with the theatre's epic sound console

Putting on a show in another country will always prove challenging, but when only three of your crew speak the local language, then things become a little more complicated… However our three crew, Rak, Ivan and Walter are fantastic and we couldn’t have survived without them.

Saturday 19 March

We finished our final show in Suzhou today, packed the truck and jumped straight on a train to Hefei.

The crew - Jodie, Frances, Walter & Rak

It’s currently raining and very smoggy, but the weather is a bit warmer, which is a nice reprieve before the temperatures drop again this week.

Paparazzi in Suzhou

We held a press conference in Suzhou ahead of our first performance of The Little Mermaid tonight (Friday 18 March) at the Suzhou Grand Theatre. Our Artistic Director François Klaus and Principal Dancers Rachael Walsh and Christian Tátchev were interviewed by the Chinese media and appeared on Suzhou local television. Click here to read one of the articles and see more pics. Warning – the article is in Chinese, but here is the Google translated English version (beware – it’s not an exact translation!)

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Principal Dancer Rachael Walsh reveals what’s in her suitcase…

QB caught up with Rachael before China. Rachael reveals what’s in her suitcase and how she’s been preparing for her role as the Little Mermaid…

How are you feeling about heading to China?

I’m really excited, I’ve never been to China before. One of the many things I love about this career is the exciting opportunities it brings. I have the opportunity to travel the world, meet new people and dance on new stages.

Have you packed?

Not yet! I will no doubt be up late packing the night before we fly out.

What will be in your suitcase?

I always take one pair of pointe shoes, my favourite make up and hair pins in my carry on luggage. I also always bring an eye mask, rose water facial spray, hydrating face cream, a good book, my laptop and a really comfy pair of socks.

In my suitcase I’ll have warm clothes for China, minerals and vitamins, my camera and some Australian gifts for people we meet. I always bring some Caramello Koalas and Vegemite on international tours, just in case!

Have you been to China before?

No. I’ve danced in Korea and with the Company in Japan, but China will be a new experience for me. The country and history really intrigue me and I’m looking forward to dancing on the beautiful stages. I’m also hoping to have time to look around and immerse myself in the culture.

What role will you be playing in The Little Mermaid?

The Little Mermaid! I’ve been involved in each production of The Little Mermaid since Francois created it, so it’s a very special for me. I really enjoy watching how each of the characters develop through the different people dancing the roles each year. I still find each performance different and discover new characteristics of the character each time.

Join us for the Queensland Ballet Friends Welcome back from China Dinner

To celebrate the Company’s homecoming, Queensland Ballet Friends are hosting a welcome home dinner at the Mandarin Master Chinese Restaurant from 7pm on Tuesday 19 April. The Queensland Ballet Friends welcome you to join them, artistic staff, dancers and staff to hear the exciting stories from China first hand…

Booking is essential. To download the booking form click here. RSVP by Friday 15 April.

Date: Tuesday 19 April, 2011

Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, dinner begins at 7:30pm

Venue: Mandarin Master Chinese Restaurant, 240 Stafford Road, Stafford

Dress: Smart casual

Cost: $60 per person for members of Queensland Ballet Friends and $65 for non-members and guests