West Australian Ballet has announced its 2021 season, which includes classic ballets Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty and Coppélia, and several contemporary pieces including Graeme Murphy’s Air and Other Invisible Forces and the world premiere of a new work by Australian choreographer Melanie Lane.

After cancellations in 2020 due to COVID-19, WA Ballet returned to the mainstage in September with Dracula, having presented works online and in its studios. In November/December, it will perform The Nutcracker at His Majesty’s Theatre.

“2020 has challenged us on many levels and so will 2021. But where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity,” said Artistic Director Aurélien Scannella.

Carina Roberts for Coppélia. Photograph © Frances Andrijich and Wunderman Thompson

The 2021 season will open as usual with Ballet at the Quarry as part of Perth Festival. This year’s program As One: Ballet at the Quarry will include three works. The evening will open with 4Seasons by Australian choreographer Natalie Weir. First performed by Expressions Dance Company and Hong Kong’s City Contemporary Dance Company in 2018, Weir’s ballet is a reimagining...