The Australian Ballet presents Identity

THE HUM | Daniel Riley Evoking a search for cultural perpetuity, the first work THE HUM is a new dance-theatre work created by Daniel Riley, Wiradjuri man, and Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Centred upon the tangible yet invisible creative connection between performers, orchestra and audience, this work will unite artists of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in a never-before-seen collaboration.

Working together to realise a new ceremonial space of sharing and communality spanning rehearsal studio and stage, this work forges new relationships and develops a shared physicality, exploding with future-focussed visions.

THE HUM celebrates a resonance between our musicians, our dancers and the swell of our land, celebrating the idea of the individual artist as part of a broader creative ecosystem of shared knowledge, emotion and energy.

Paragon | Alice Topp The Australian Ballet's Resident Choreographer Alice Topp will premiere her new work Paragon in 2023, a powerful tribute to the company's origins, strength and evolution.

Paragon explores the pursuit of perfection and excellence in the art form of ballet, while also referencing the idea that the company was formed under conditions of pressure and immense expectations, much like a diamond in the natural world.

Through a rich palette of intergenerational company artists, Paragon is a modern work that challenges and moves audiences in a journey embodying the heart and soul of The Australian Ballet.

"Daniel Riley and Alice Topp are two of Australia’s leading choreographic voices. They both explore what identity means to them, whether it be the identity of Australia, the identity of community, or the identity of art. In honour of our 60th anniversary, we look at the sense of identity in today’s artists." - David Hallberg

THE HUM Direction and concept: Daniel Riley, Wiradjuri

Choreography: Daniel Riley, in collaboration with cast

Music: Deborah Cheetham AO, Yorta Yorta

Costume design: Annette Sax, Taungurung

Set and lighting design: Matthew Adey

The Australian Ballet commission, choreographed by Daniel Riley in association with Australian Dance Theatre.

Paragon Choreography: Alice Topp

Music Christopher: Gordon

Costume design: Aleisa Jelbart

Set and lighting design: Jon Buswell