Inspirations 2008

INSPIRATIONS 2008 set a record for Subscriber numbers and Subscriber ticket sales. The 2008 season concludes with a very special performance of the West Australian Ballets The Red Shoes.

Dancer Has Whole World At Gifted Feet

AT the age of 22 former Toronto resident Damian Smith has found international success in the ballet scene, with leading roles in productions across Europe and the United States.

Lunch Celebrates 20 Years

WHEN The Sydney Morning Herald-Dymocks Literary Event Program started on December 2, 1988, 120 people turned up at the Hilton hotel to have lunch and hear the author Morris West talk. Yesterday, at the event's 20th anniversary lunch, 1000 people listened to the guest speaker Li Cunxin, former ballet dancer and author of the autobiographical Mao's Last Dancer, at Star City's Grand Harbour Ballroom.

True Gold For Star

Spandau Ballet's first tour set off a love affair with Australia, writes Anita Beaumont.

Ahoy, There Be Pirates For Sure

THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to Newcastle Harbour yesterday to savour a taste of seafaring life. Among them was Taylor Darlington, 9, who donned pirate garb to visit the city's new $5 million Maritime Centre at Lee Wharf. Its official opening yesterday coincided with the annual Maritime Festival, which featured waterski racing, jet boat rides, a tug boat ballet and visits by historic ships the James Craig and HMB Endeavour. The Mattara Festival and Darby Street Fair were also at the weekend. ? ...

Rites Draws Raves And Repugnance

DANCE critics have either loved or loathed this week's London season of Rites, performed by artists of The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre.

Ballet Should Step Up Fight Against Disorders

DANCE students should undergo compulsory nutrition training to address the industry's problem with eating disorders, says a leading instructor.

Rite Of Passage For Page's Controversial Ballet

NINE decades after they booed the ballet off the stage, The Rite Of Spring returned to Paris this week.

Dancers Entrance With Paris Passion

NINE decades after it was booed off the stage, the ballet The Rite of Spring returned to Paris on Monday night.