Australian Ballet artistic director David McAllister to step down

Outgoing Australian Ballet artistic director David McAllister.Credit:Eamon Gallagher

The artistic director of the Australian Ballet, David McAllister, has announced he is stepping down after two decades in the role.

Australian Ballet chairman Craig Dunn announced the news at the company's annual general meeting in Melbourne today.

Mr McAllister will finish up at the end of next year, which will be his 20th year at the helm of Australia's national ballet company.

“David has taken The Australian Ballet to new heights during his two decades as artistic director,” Mr Dunn said.

“He has decided that his 20th-anniversary year is the right time to hand on the artistic directorship of the company.

“His leadership of the company has been extraordinarily successful and he will leave an enduring legacy."

Mr Dunn said there was a "succession-planning process" under way.

Mr McAllister began his career at the Australian Ballet as a dancer fresh from the Australian Ballet School in 1983. He was promoted to principal artist six years later.

In the ensuing years he made guest appearances at companies around the world including the famous Bolshoi Ballet and even danced for Princess Diana in 1992.

In 2001 Mr McAllister made the transition from dancer to artistic director of the Australian Ballet.

In 2004 he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.

More to come

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