The Australian Ballet is celebrating its 50th birthday today.
“With so many people flocking to shows and watching us either via TV or digital platforms it just shows that Australians love their ballet. We look forward to sharing another 50 years of this glorious art form with them,” The Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister commented.
McAllister mentioned that in its golden anniversary year the Australian Ballet has performed 178 mainstage shows and travelled almost 24,000 kilometres. As apart of the 50th anniversary celebrations the company will perform in a 50th Anniversary Gala tonight and tomorrow at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Over its 50 year history The Australian Ballet Company:-

• Sold over 12 million tickets to its performances

• Danced through 250,000 pairs of pointe shoes

• Accrued more than 29,000 costumes

• Performed 7379 shows

• Toured to 37 countries

• Been led by seven artistic directors: Peggy van Praagh, Robert Helpmann, Anne Woolliams, Marilyn Jones, Maina Gielgud, Ross Stretton and David McAllister