Ballet stars come out to play in Hamilton Island paradise
THE Australian Ballet's incredible pas de deux in paradise was performed under the stars at Hamilton Island's luxury resort qualia on the weekend.
The weekend's event marked the fifth anniversary of the internationally acclaimed art company's exclusive annual performances at qualia.
Principal artists Adam Bull, Lana Jones and Amber Scott, and senior artist Rudy Hawkes, danced excerpts from some of ballet's most loved works including After the Rain, Giselle, Manon and Stephen Baynes' brand new Swan Lake.
The Pas de Deux in Paradise weekend started on Friday evening with a welcome dinner at the Long Pavilion, prepared by qualia's executive chef, Alastair Waddell.
During the mouth-watering meal guests participated in a question-and-answer session with the Australian Ballet's artistic director David McAllister and the dancers.
On Saturday morning, guests were treated to an exclusive viewing of the dancers warming up at 'Morning Barre', as the teaser to a stunning pre-dinner performance.
Dancers performed on a stage set by the water's edge at qualia's Pebble Beach, with the Coral Sea and Whitsunday islands forming an exquisite natural backdrop. The event's MC was Getaway travel presenter and Pas de Deux in Paradise devotee, Catriona Rowntree.
Australian Ballet artistic director David McAllister said this was a not-to-be missed ballet event.
"Our dancers love performing under the stars at qualia [and] for anyone wanting to combine an island holiday with the ballet, it's an unbeatable combination," he said.
