As performing arts companies around the world closed their doors in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, artistic and management teams quickly began to come up with digital programs to take the place of live performances.

“It’s certainly made us think creatively, that’s for sure,” says David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet.

David McAllister. Photograph © James Braund

McAllister and his team began looking through the archives to see what TAB repertoire had been recorded. “When we started digging into the archive, I thought we’d have four or five things we could [post] but we’ve actually got 14 full-length programs, it’s been fantastic,” McAllister tells Limelight.

“Some of them are from quite a while ago – in fact, I’m still dancing in some of them so it will be a bit of a pas de bourrée down memory lane – as well as some more recent ones.”

These 14 productions will form the core of TAB’s new digital program At Home with Ballet TV, offered for free via the Ballet TV channel on the company’s website.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue to share the spirit-lifting joy of ballet with our At...