The Australian Ballet
The Australian Ballet
4.5
About
The Australian Ballet exists to inspire, delight and challenge audiences through the power of its performances. The Australian Ballet is one of the world's premier ballet companies and has delivered extraordinary performances for over 50 years. A commitment to artistic excellence, a spirited style and a willingness to take risks have defined the company from its earliest days, both onstage and off. Moving effortlessly between the great classical ballets and new contemporary commissions, the company has a uniquely Australian style, powered by artistry and athleticism.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Southbank
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
6,067 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,458 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
392 reviews
Excellent
307
Very good
37
Average
24
Poor
15
Terrible
9
Bj101
Paris, France97 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Once again The Australian Ballet Company delivers a spectacular performance. This time, Romeo and Juliet at the State Theatre Melbourne.
While David McAlister is a wonderful choreographer, it was refreshing to see a different talent on show. The glances, the gestures, the tiny moments were obviously the hand of a great talent at work here.
The costumes and setting was perfect.
While the prima ballerina may not have been the most graceful or perfect of dancers, she was a brilliant actor, and she brought grace and poise to every step.
The finals scene was breathtaking in every sense. I will never forget it.
Bravo for a wonderful performance.
While David McAlister is a wonderful choreographer, it was refreshing to see a different talent on show. The glances, the gestures, the tiny moments were obviously the hand of a great talent at work here.
The costumes and setting was perfect.
While the prima ballerina may not have been the most graceful or perfect of dancers, she was a brilliant actor, and she brought grace and poise to every step.
The finals scene was breathtaking in every sense. I will never forget it.
Bravo for a wonderful performance.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian C
Wodonga, Australia72 contributions
May 2022
Not a ballet goer but went to see Alice by WA ballet. WOW what a great experience, as a senior citizen found myself taking great joy in watching young children enthralled by the performance , as I was at 68 years of age. To me I saw dancers that were athletes. The costumes, colour and class were so good. Now thinking I can do Swan Lake later in the year. Just do it you won’t regret it.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beantony15
Kyneton, Australia191 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
This new production of Spartacus by the Australian Ballet has been anticipated by ballet-goers with great excitement. Unfortunately, at least for me, it didn't live up to expectations. The fault was in the production, not the dancers. It lacked emotional and dramatic impact. There were long periods when people postured and moved around the stage, but were not dancing. The ballet began with a display of flag-waving calisthenics straight from a Komsomol youth camp of the 1930s. Energetic, in a limited sort of way, but not dancing. The second act opened in a bath-house with a row of bath-tubs out of which dancers waved their arms and legs: they could have been sending semaphore signals, but they weren't dancing. The final act was relieved by a lovely pas-de-deux danced by Leanne Stojmenov and Marcus Morelli as the doomed slaves Spartacus and Flavia, but the cruel and one-sided battle with the Roman legions that ended the slaves' revolt was strangely static. The legionnaires, lined up behind their shields, advanced on the slave warriors one step at a time, stopped to waggle their swords, then repeated the move. No dancing then. The final scene, the crucifixion of the beaten and scourged slaves, was another drawn-out and static display with slaves and soldiers standing rigidly to attention. But not dancing. A story ballet must tell its story through dance - dancing that expresses the character, hopes and fears of each character, and displays their relations with dance movements that show the tensions, attractions and conflicts between them and their resolution. If the dancing doesn't do this, the rest of the stagecraft, costumes, scenery, gestures, mime, pantomime and posturing are no substitute.
Leanne Stojmenov and Marcus Morelli were backed up by rising stars Christopher Rogers-Wilson and Dana Stephenson as the anti-heroes Crassus and Tertulla, their aides Caius and Eustacia, danced by Lucien Xu and Natasha Kusen, Jake Mangakahia as Spartacus' ill-fated friend Hermes and Brett Chynoweth as the brutal gladiator Crixus. It's a shame that Hermes and Crixus were disposed of so early in the story as it would have been good to see more dancing from them.
Finally, the cast list handed to patrons had a disappointingly deficient synopsis of the ballet. There are 11 characters with solo roles in the ballet. The synopsis mentioned only six of them. So you had to know the dancers or try to guess who the other five characters were. I think I worked out four of them, but I'm still not sure where Scorpius got to.
Leanne Stojmenov and Marcus Morelli were backed up by rising stars Christopher Rogers-Wilson and Dana Stephenson as the anti-heroes Crassus and Tertulla, their aides Caius and Eustacia, danced by Lucien Xu and Natasha Kusen, Jake Mangakahia as Spartacus' ill-fated friend Hermes and Brett Chynoweth as the brutal gladiator Crixus. It's a shame that Hermes and Crixus were disposed of so early in the story as it would have been good to see more dancing from them.
Finally, the cast list handed to patrons had a disappointingly deficient synopsis of the ballet. There are 11 characters with solo roles in the ballet. The synopsis mentioned only six of them. So you had to know the dancers or try to guess who the other five characters were. I think I worked out four of them, but I'm still not sure where Scorpius got to.
Written 25 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with Spartacus. We hope you find lots to love in our 2019 season and look forward to seeing you at the ballet again soon.
Written 25 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Desiree B
Melbourne, Australia41 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Beantoby15 has summed up my impression perfectly. I couldn’t verbalise my disappointment and felt like a cretin saying it didn’t make the grade in my book, friends expressed shock and disbelief when I said I wasn’t as impressed as my expectations weren’t met. What more can I say. Thanks beantoby15 for saying it all and so well
Written 26 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with Spartacus. We hope you find lots to love in our 2019 season and look forward to seeing you at the ballet again soon.
Written 9 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
merrinhosken
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Sept 2018 • Friends
I’m sorry to say that “Spartacus” left me cold & unimpressed. I found the choreography & the music uninspiring. I expected strength & drama but I found the whole performance flat & colourless.
The main roles played by Marcus Morelli & Leanne Stojmenov didn’t move me at all although their movements were well executed. These dancers are of a v high standard but working in a low standard production. The only role with any charisma was that played by Steven Heathcote.
I thought the opening scene particulary weak and rather tedious. Marching , flag waving communistic characters are v boring. Even the children’s roles appeared inappropriately characterised , no fault of the kids themselves.
I have danced , taught ballet & been keenly subscribing to the AB for 30-40 years . I have enjoyed many superb ballets over the years & hope to do so in the future. I hope I won’t be severely disappointed again.
Ps The scenery was a redeeming feature!
The main roles played by Marcus Morelli & Leanne Stojmenov didn’t move me at all although their movements were well executed. These dancers are of a v high standard but working in a low standard production. The only role with any charisma was that played by Steven Heathcote.
I thought the opening scene particulary weak and rather tedious. Marching , flag waving communistic characters are v boring. Even the children’s roles appeared inappropriately characterised , no fault of the kids themselves.
I have danced , taught ballet & been keenly subscribing to the AB for 30-40 years . I have enjoyed many superb ballets over the years & hope to do so in the future. I hope I won’t be severely disappointed again.
Ps The scenery was a redeeming feature!
Written 24 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with Spartacus. We hope you find lots to love in our 2019 season and look forward to seeing you at the ballet again soon.
Written 24 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vivienne G
Melbourne, Australia22 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
I was hoping tonight to be convinced that this new production would be a worthy successor to the AB’s previous offering. Sadly no.
Act 1 saw stylised, repetitive choreography and this along with highly questionable costuming conjured for me, as for another writer, a high school performance.
The following acts gave some pleasant dancing but nothing new in the choreography stakes. Visually, the baths were effective but too long and limiting; the battle when Spartacus is finally left a lone fighter was effectively done.
But why did we need to spend so much time learning about Crassus’ marital problems and why oh why did the boys in Act 1 have to have those flappy pants? Bravo to the leads and well done the company for a valiant effort with limited material.
Act 1 saw stylised, repetitive choreography and this along with highly questionable costuming conjured for me, as for another writer, a high school performance.
The following acts gave some pleasant dancing but nothing new in the choreography stakes. Visually, the baths were effective but too long and limiting; the battle when Spartacus is finally left a lone fighter was effectively done.
But why did we need to spend so much time learning about Crassus’ marital problems and why oh why did the boys in Act 1 have to have those flappy pants? Bravo to the leads and well done the company for a valiant effort with limited material.
Written 28 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We're sorry to hear you were disappointed with Spartacus. We hope you find lots to love in our 2019 season and look forward to seeing you at the ballet again soon.
Written 9 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ljharris657
Melbourne, Australia9 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Couldn't agree more with verris' review, 'Spartacus - such a disappointment' - she nailed it. I have been attending ballet performances since 1954, Borovansky in those days, and have seen many companies performing. I have been a subscriber to the Australian Ballet for over 30 years. The dancers were amazing as always, but that was the beginning and ending of it. Thought the bathers in Act 2 were practising for their synchronised swimming competition. Stayed to the end, but for the first time in memory, was glad when it was over. We are a group of 7 who attend all performances every year, and six of the seven were disappointed.
Written 19 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We’re sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy Spartacus, although glad that you are still happy with the quality of our dancers. We’ll be announcing our 2019 season shortly; we hope you find lots to love there, and that we’ll welcome you back to the theatre soon.
Written 20 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea R
1 contribution
Nov 2016 • Family
Incredibly unhelpful customer service- I had bought a child ticket for Nijinsky, which reviews have deemed unsuitable for children.
Nowhere on the website does it say that the production is unsuitable for children, and child tickets are sold without warning.
The Australian Ballet office refused to refund or offer a solution. I'll now be out $50 and a babysitter.
Nowhere on the website does it say that the production is unsuitable for children, and child tickets are sold without warning.
The Australian Ballet office refused to refund or offer a solution. I'll now be out $50 and a babysitter.
Written 14 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Andrea
As mentioned in this comment you posted on Facebook, we appreciate you taking the time to get in touch. While we do not proscribe age restrictions based on the thematic content of any performance, we do note any adult themes in the description of each performance and provide a range of online resources to help customers make informed choices when attending the ballet with children. Our guide to Children at the Theatre gives some great guidelines about how to choose repertoire for kids (https://australianballet.com.au/your-visit/children-at-the-theatre)
For future reference, our Customer Services Team are always available to assist with upgrading tickets to an adult price type if you choose to share a ballet experience with an adult as opposed to a child.
Written 29 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vivienne G
Melbourne, Australia22 contributions
Sept 2019
Don't be daunted by the encyclopedia of information on the cast sheet just sit back and enjoy this new production.
Yes, the music is old fashioned and the choreography doesn't excite but on the other hand: great sets and production, elegant costumes, great character and dancing from the leads all balance out into a very enjoyable performance.
A great night of dance and even a little fun for both the audience and, it appeared, the performers. Congratulations.
Yes, the music is old fashioned and the choreography doesn't excite but on the other hand: great sets and production, elegant costumes, great character and dancing from the leads all balance out into a very enjoyable performance.
A great night of dance and even a little fun for both the audience and, it appeared, the performers. Congratulations.
Written 10 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob E
45 contributions
Sept 2019
Saw Sylvia last night. The standard of dancing and stage presentation of the AB remains just wonderful. The principal dancers are well supported throughout. The only drawback was the confusing nature of the plot, one of those too-clever creations that keep you wanting to return to the classics. Speaking of which, the theme was classical - but classical Hellenic mythology whereas the costuming recalled Roman times. But that may have been beyond the power of AB to avoid.
Written 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m talking my partner to the ballet and just wondering what the dress code is, would a suit be overdoing it
Written 20 September 2019
is Spartacus suitable for girls aged fifteen?
Written 1 September 2018
Hi there
The world premiere of Spartacus is almost here and new elements of the production are being created every day.
We can now advise that there will be mature themes of an aggressive and sexual nature. This production is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
You can read the full synopsis on our website.
Written 2 September 2018
The Merry Widow was such a delight especially seeing that Kirsty Martin as Hanna came out of retirement for this performance. It is always brilliant to see Colin Peasley and Franco Leo performing. The costumes matched the performance of the brilliant dancing, humorous and energetic. A must see of The Merry Widow.
Written 13 June 2018
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing