30 May 2011: The Australian Ballet performance - ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’- will take place at qualia on Hamilton Island again on 1 – 3 July this year.

Now in its fourth year, ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ has become a must attend event for ballet lovers. Guests will enjoy an intimate weekend during which they are treated to an exclusive performance by four principal artists - Olivia Bell, Adam Bull, Yosvani Ramos, and Leanne Stojmenov*.

Internationally renowned choreographer, Graeme Murphy AM, and creative associate Janet Vernon AM – an acclaimed dancer and artistic director, will attend the weekend for the first time.

The weekend begins on Friday night with a welcome dinner prepared by qualia Executive Chef, Jane-Therese Mulry. A Q&A session is held during the evening with The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David McAllister and the dancers.

On Saturday morning, guests are treated to a behind the scenes look at a dance class on stage followed by lunch at the spectacular Hamilton Island Yacht Club featuring Moet and Chandon champagne.

All of this sets the scene for an unforgettable pre-dinner performance by the dancers on Saturday night beginning on the outdoor stage as the sun sets over the Whitsunday passage.

“The evening will begin with two colourful and exuberant pas de deux from The Merry Widow, which was the first full-length ballet created by The Australian Ballet in 1975 by Sir Robert Helpmann and Ronald Hynd. This will be followed by a grand solo from Don Quixote, performed by Yosvani Ramos,” said McAllister.

“The finale will be Graeme Murphy’s pas de trois from Swan Lake performed by Adam Bull, Leanne Stojmenov and Olivia Bell. With the beautiful Tchaikovsky score, the pas de trois between Prince Siegfried, Odette and Baroness von Rothbart is sure to be absolutely breathtaking under the stars at qualia.”

In recognition of their attendance, the weekend will also feature eight rarely seen costumes from Murphy’s previous works with The Australian Ballet: Nutcracker – The story of Clara, Firebird, The Silver Rose and Swan Lake.

The weekend will again be emceed by popular Getaway travel presenter and qualia devotee, Catriona Rowntree.

For further information on ‘Pas De Deux in Paradise’ and other special events at qualia, please contact the Luxury Specialist Team by email: luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au or tel: 1300 780 959.

-ENDS-

Biographies:

OIivia Bell
Newcastle-born Olivia Bell competed in the Prix de Lausanne competition and won a scholarship to the Paris Opéra Ballet School, where she graduated in 1995. Joining The Australian Ballet the same year, Olivia would go on to dance some of The Australian Ballet's most coveted lead roles, hailed variously as "imperious and sinuous", "truly exquisite", and for her "cool, sensitive precision". In 1996 she was awarded a Khitercs Foundation scholarship, enabling her to study abroad. Olivia's acclaimed performances in everything from the most classical of ballets to contemporary pieces have shown her great versatility. A career highlight was her debut in the title role of Manon in 2008. Olivia was promoted to principal artist in 2007.

Adam Bull
Adam Bull was born in 1981 and began training at Dance World 301 with Brian Nolan before joining The Australian Ballet School. In 2000, he represented Australia in the Paris International Ballet Competition, before graduating from The Australian Ballet School with honours in 2001. Adam joined The Australian Ballet in 2002, going on to dance soloist and principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, Graeme Murphy, Christopher Wheeldon, Stephen Baynes, Stanton Welch, Nicolo Fonte and Wayne McGregor. After just six months as a senior artist, Adam was promoted to the highest rank of principal in June 2008, capping off a string of critically acclaimed lead performances. Career highlights have also been performing in principal lead roles in the company’s tours to Paris, London, Manchester and Japan.

Yosvani Ramos
Yosvani Ramos was born in Camagüey, Cuba and trained at the National Ballet School, going on to dance with Jeune Ballet de France and Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris after winning the Gold Medal at the Paris International Ballet Competition in 1998. He joined English National Ballet as a soloist in 1999 and was promoted to senior soloist in 2000, then principal artist in 2003 after his performance as Franz in Coppélia. During his time with English National Ballet he created many pieces in the company's choreographic workshops and was nominated for several years running in the Critics' Circle National Dance Awards. He joined The Australian Ballet as a principal artist at the beginning of 2008.

Leanne Stojmenov
Leanne was born and raised in Perth where she began her initial ballet training with Helen McKay. Her full-time training began at the Graduate College in 1993 under the school's director, Terri Charlesworth, and in 1999 she joined the West Australian Ballet. In 2001 Leanne left Perth to take up a position with The Australian Ballet. Receiving the New South Wales Friends of The Australian Ballet scholarship in 2004 enabled her to study throughout Europe. Leanne has a high regard for artists who can adapt to all kinds of roles and repertoire. Leanne was promoted to principal artist in 2011.

*Casting is subject to change

Note to editors:
qualia is located on the secluded northern-most point of Hamilton Island. This luxurious, award-winning property has 60 one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set amongst eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue, green waters of the Whitsundays, two superb restaurants and Spa qualia catering exclusively to guests. qualia welcomes guests 16 years and over.

'qualia' is deliberately spelled with a lower case 'q' as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property. www.qualia.com.au

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