Queensland Ballet is celebrating its proud 50th Anniversary all year this year – and with good reason. It has not always been smooth sailing for the dancers and the staff of the company. Queensland Ballet founder Charles Lisner OBE went bankrupt twice – pouring his heart and soul into making Queensland Ballet an artistic and commercial success. His widow, Mrs Valerie Lisner was a very special guest at the Queensland Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Reunion at the Home of Neil and Dianne McCormack. Neil is a former Board Member and Chairman of Queensland Ballet and he and his beautiful wife Dianne kindly offered their home on the Brisbane River as the venue for this lovely event.
It was a joyous day enjoyed by all who attended – dancers past and present mingled with the other staff and past and present Board members from the Queensland Ballet. Francois Klaus and his wife Robyn and the General Manager, Judith Anderson were all honoured guests.
Michelle Giammichele was invited to open festivities with a short address to welcome all guests. Needless to say she did this with much aplomb! Guests on the day were most sorry to miss former Artistic Director Harold Collins MBE, who was not able to attend as he was in hospital. Harold was Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet for over 20 years, so the dancers and staff from his era at the helm of the company (1985 – 1996) were particularly sorry he wasn’t able to attend. We send our love to you Harold and hope you are feeling better soon!