The QLD National Ballet captivated and thrilled the judges and audiences at the recent 2010 Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Wynnum Eisteddfods with their award winning performances in solos, duos and open age group ballet and contemporary.

These outstanding dancers pirouetted home to The Old Museum in Bowen Hills with the Talia Fowler Trophy for Classical Ballet, a staggering 17 ‘1st Places’, 8 ‘2nd Places’, 11 ‘3rd Places’ and 10 ‘Highly Commended’.

Congratulations go to Jake Robinson, winner of SCDE Senior Bursary for the highest scoring solo competitor in this prestigious competition. At the close of the competition, Jake was again recognised winning both the most outstanding neo-classical dancer and the most outstanding classical male dancer awards. Congratualations go to QNB dancer, Caleb Irvin, who was recognised as the most outstanding contemporary dancer.

With barely time to catch their breath, QNB dancers will soon be competing in the Sydney Eisteddfods and performing at their Gala Concert at The Old Museum Concert Hall in June. Upon their return, they will begin rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet.

QNB Artistic Director Martyn Fleming has had a long and distinguished career as a professional dancer nationally and internationally for over 20 years. Martyn was a Soloist and Guest Artist with Australian Ballet Company, a Principal Artist with Bejart Ballet Lausanne and Principal Artist with English National Ballet, London Festival Ballet and Opera Australia.

Upon establishing QNB, Martyn invited former principal dance partners and well known ballet and contemporary talent to work with his fledgling performers. These teachers include: Janette Mulligan - Former Principal English National Ballet, Simon Pointon - Former Principal Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, Susan Hogart - Former Principal English National Ballet, Maina Geilgud - Patron and Former Artistic Director Australian Ballet Company/Royal Danish Ballet, Mona Schaufuss - Former Dancer, Peter Schaufuss Balletten, Denmark, Anthony Lee - Founder ID Entertainment Agency - Brisbane, Choreography consultant, Miranda Zeller - Contemporary choreographer recently graduated QUT, Bachelor of Arts (Dance) and Richard Leader – Former 1st Soloist in companies such as State Theatre Braunshweig, Halberstadt Theatre & Regional Theatre Linz.

QNB Students are predominantly trained in the Russian Vaganova Ballet system which is recognized worldwide for its development of strength and flexibility in its dancers. QNB is fast becoming recognised as a leading training organisation and dynamic performance company.

For more information on the QLD National Ballet organisation and performances please visit their website.