Tutus on Tour: on the road again
QB’s Company dancers will be packing their pointe shoes and tights to hit the open road this July and throughout August. QB will present a series of spectacular performances in Tutus on Tour, taking the magic of ballet across regional Queensland. Ahead of the tour Senior Soloist Joel Woellner and Company Artist Chiara Gonzalez share some personal insights about regional touring, why arts access is important and some highlights from previous years.
Favourite regional tour pit-stop?
Joel— “If I had to choose one, I would pick Cairns. We performed there in 2019 at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre with Dangerous Liaisons. CPAC is a brand new theatre and is a world-class precinct and I can’t wait to perform there again. We often have some time off in Cairns and there are always so many day trips you can do. Many of the dancers went out to Green Island and had the best time. It always feels like we are on holidays in Cairns despite the fact we are working.”
Highlight from past regional tours?
Joel— “One of the highlights of the tour is going to Mackay. First Company Artist Rian Thompson is from Mackay and his family hosts a dinner every time we are up. Members from his family cook a dish and we have a huge party at his family home. The dinner has become somewhat of an annual tradition and it’s great for the Company to know his hilarious family.”
What are you looking forward to about Tutus on Tour?
Chiara— “It’s been a while since we’ve been on the road, due to COVID-19 setbacks. So I think this year I’m just grateful to be going anywhere on tour. I’m looking forward to visiting all the regional areas, it’s always a lot of fun.”
How would you describe regional audiences?
Joel— “Very loud! Regional audiences are always so grateful to have us touring to their towns and they always show their appreciation with the amount of applause after a show. Many aspiring dancers come to our performances and I think it’s very important for them to see what a professional Company looks like. I hope it inspires them to continue on the path of a professional ballet dancer.”
Best road trip song?
Chiara— “On the Road Again by Willie Nelson”
Why is regional engagement important?
Joel— “It’s important to share our art form with as many people as possible. Being the State company the dancers have a sense of duty to go out and share our work with QLD. It’s important, for me, to help make Brisbane a hub of art and in particular ballet and regional touring helps this. Touring regionally also gives more opportunities to perform leading roles. I’ve done a few leading roles for the first time while on tour.”
What is one item you can’t travel without?
Chiara— “My spikey ball to roll out and a good book for those long drives!”
By Ellen Gilroy
Image by David Kelly
