10 Sep Ballerino Visits Gladstone
Mackay-born dancer Rian Thompson is heading back to rural Queensland to support Queensland Ballet’s In-School workshops as part of its Community Engagement tour.
Thompson started dancing at age four and trained at Theatre Arts Mackay before moving to Brisbane to further his career as a ballerino.
During his decade with the company he’s performed in roles such as Peter Pan in Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan, Benvolio in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet, Bottom in Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Koschei in Firebird.
He said it is always good to return to the regions, especially to share the magic of ballet.
“Ballet transformed me, it was something that spoke to me from an early age, and I knew I was prepared to work hard to make a career out of it,” he said.
“To be able to share that magic with young children in rural Queensland is a privilege, and I hope something about my story may inspire them to work that little bit harder in class and shoot for the stars.
“Our community engagement tour is so important for us to connect with our local and regional communities, especially during this unprecedented time when our theatres remain largely closed.”
The tour of Queensland Ballet teaching artists was enabled by Shell’s QGC business, with special
thanks to Shell QGC’s Joint Venture Partners CNOOC and Tokyo Gas, who support Queensland Ballet
in bringing the arts to regional Queensland.
The In-School workshops and Teacher Professional Development provide safe, educative, and inclusive dance experiences for students in kindergartens and schools. Queensland Ballet’s In-School workshops complement the Early Years Learning Framework, Australian Curriculum and Senior Dance Syllabus.
“A big shout-out must go to our sponsors Shell’s QGC business for their unwavering support in what is a tough economic climate at the moment. Our in-school classes are a great opportunity for school students to experience the joys of dance, be it physical movement, the social aspect, or the outlet of creative expression,” Thompson added.
Queensland Ballet’s Education Teaching Artists will be in Gladstone on August 28-29.
The Education Teaching Artists packed their bags and hit the open road for August and September, taking education and community workshops to 15 locations far and wide across Queensland.
The tour had been suspended due to Queensland Government travel restrictions and was finally approved after a robust plan was developed in alignment with Queensland Government guidelines and the AusDance Dance and Physical Performing Arts COVID Safe Plan.
Queensland Ballet Education Manager, Martha Godber said “All workshops will adhere to COVID safe guidelines and Queensland Ballet’s strict WHS processes to ensure the safety of our Teaching Artists and participants is prioritised at all times.”
“Education Teaching Artists and participants will have to follow guidelines, including keeping 1.5 metres apart at all times. Certain choreography has also been adapted, including partnering activities, pas de deux, sharing of props or costumes and collaborative group work,” she concluded.
Also happening on tour are the community workshops, led by Queensland Ballet’s Education Teaching Artists, which aim to inspire regional communities and provide the opportunity to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of dance. They cater for all ages and abilities with something on offer for everyone. Community classes, presented by Ergon Energy and Energex, range from QB Petit Pointers aimed to enthral the littlest lovers of dance, to a tailored Ballet for Adults class for mature active adults. Children from six to 17-years-old will also delight in tailored ballet workshops.
Those who register for the workshops are required to adhere to social distancing regulations.
To find out what is on offer and to register your spot, head to
