Queensland Ballet's Leanne Benjamin asking big questions about what audiences want

Queensland Ballet 's new artistic director has some mighty shoes to fill, taking over from the much loved and lauded Mao's Last Dancer Li Cunxin .Three months into her new role, she said she was finding the business side of being artistic director the hardest so far.Benjamin grew up in Rockhampton in central Queensland, but left when she was 16 to dance with the Royal Ballet . She went on to dance as a principal with the company for more than 20 years.

"I hadn't thought about it before because I was busy coaching around the world and spending a lot of time with The Royal Ballet Company.She said Li has been having a well-earned break overseas, but she'll be reaching out for advice when he's ready. The new artistic director has been rehearsing the principal dancers for the company's next ballet, an Australian twist on the traditional favourite Coppelia, choreographed by the company's chief ballet master Greg Horsman.Leanne Benjamin grew up dancing in central Queensland before taking to the world stage. Now she's taking up the reins from long-time friend, Mao's Last Dancer, Li Cunxin.

"Li was tirelessly trying to support the company more through federal funding, so let's watch this space and see if we can turn this around."Mao's Last Dancer Li Cunxin hands over Queensland Ballet reins to Leanne Benjamin

Source: News Formal (newsformal.com)

Leanne Benjamin Li Cunxin Mao's Last Dancer Royal Ballet Greg Horsman Lucy Green Joel Woellner Artist Director

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