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Star US dancer Hallberg to take over top Australian Ballet post
SYDNEY, March 3, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – American Ballet Theater principal dancer
David Hallberg has been appointed the new artistic director of the Australian
Ballet, the company announced Tuesday.
Hallberg, 37, the first American to be a premier dancer at the Bolshoi
Ballet, was also the first international resident guest artist at the
Australian Ballet, a position he has held for a decade.
“During this time I have fallen in love with Australia, its people and this
wonderful ballet company,” he said in a statement.
“It is a great honour to join this iconic cultural institution as its next
Artistic Director.”
Australian Ballet chair Craig Dunn said Hallberg — also a principal dancer
with the American Ballet Theater — would bring a “unique artistic lens and
global view” to the role.
“David’s appointment heralds an exciting new era for both the Australian
Ballet and for dance in Australia,” he said.
He will take over from current artistic director, David McAllister, who is
set to retire in December after almost 20 years in the role.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0931 hrs