Shanghai Ballet has postponed its tour to Brisbane in March because of the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus and the resulting travel restrictions.

The company had been scheduled to give three performances (March 12 – 14) of The Lady of the Camellias, choreographed by Derek Deane, in an exclusive Australian season at QPAC as part of Queensland Ballet’s 60th anniversary program.

A scene from Shanghai Ballet’s The Lady of the Camellias

“We have been in talks with Shanghai Ballet since news of the virus first hit. Now with the clear health directive from our Federal Government and China’s own restrictions regarding groups leaving the country, Shanghai Ballet has decided not to proceed,” said QB Artistic Director Li Cunxin.

Li said that tickets had been selling so well that there had been plans to add another performance to meet demand. The decision to delay the tour was therefore disappointing for everyone involved but safety had to come first, said Li.

“Our sister ballet company, Shanghai Ballet, presented us in Shanghai during our tour of China in 2018 and we were very much looking forward to reciprocating their hospitality and welcoming them to Brisbane in March for the...