West Australian Ballet

In 1952, West Australian Ballet was established by Madame Kira Bousloff - the first ballet company formed in Australia that is still in existence today.

Madame Bousloff, a Prima Ballerina with the Ballets Russes, had travelled to the east coast of Australia in 1938. After completing her commitment with the Ballets Russes she travelled west to Perth on holiday and fell in love with the city, declaring that the beautiful coastline reminded her of the French Riviera.

West Australian Ballet became the State ballet company in 1970.
Since its formation West Australian Ballet has developed an impressive reputation for superior classical and contemporary ballet and contemporary dance of the highest level. Its repertoire continues to develop steadily; classical ballet forming the foundation for the Company's vocabulary, combined with a distinct contemporary outlook on the art form. West Australian Ballet stages everything from full length classical ballets, narrative ballets and shorter works, and encompasses a variety of choreographic styles.

The Company is based in Perth and resides at His Majesty’s Theatre. It offers an extensive program of dance throughout the year, with three to four major seasons in Perth, regional touring throughout Western Australia, choreographic workshops, an extensive education program and other community activities.

West Australian Ballet also tours nationally and internationally; past international tours include China, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines. In 2005 West Australian Ballet toured nationally to Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong, Parramatta and Newcastle and embarked on a North West Tour to Broome, Karratha, Onslow and Newman.

West Australian Ballet is the only dance company in the state that has an official partnership with its state symphony orchestra; the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.