West Australian Ballet Company

The West Australian Ballet Company In 1952, the West Australian Ballet Company was founded by Madame Kira Boulsloff; a Russian ballerina who dances with Les Ballet Russes. As Australasia’s oldest ballet company they have developed strong reputation as a classical and contemporary company. In 1970 after becoming WA’s state company, new artistic director Mr Rex Reid (1969 – 1974) began transforming the semi-professional ensemble into a top state company. Barbara Ahern; a prominent social and public figure, and wife of John Ahern; current president of the board, also founded the WA Ballet society, with the aim of increasing popularity and generating more private funding. The company received its first government funding in 1966, however according to Mr Simon Williams, current President of the company board “we were funded to a level of incompetence, never quite enough to make a professional company”. In 1980 after struggling through the ever present threat of bankruptcy the company overbalanced. Requests for financial support from the Arts Council were refused the company was expected to close. In a final attempt Mr John Down, current chairmen of the board sent a personal letter to Premier Sir Charles Court without board approval, asking for financial aid, which was answered positively saving the company from closure. Although the company survived closer, securing adequate funding has been an ongoing issue which has limited their development and capacity.

In 1981 the company moved from their first owned premise in North Fremantle (1971), to the unfurnished second level of His Majesty’s theatre, and the King Street studios. Containing only one rehearsal studio the King Street location became inadequate and other venues were rented throughout the city. Having dancers scattered over the city the company was “in some ways, disconnected from one another” according to Debra Relnecke, current Communications Manager at WAB. In April 2012 the company