COFFEE CONVERSATIONS

FEATURED

Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet

Our Chat with, Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, Sarah Crowley

Website: http://www.queenslandballet.com.au/

Key Contact: Leanne Benjamin OBE AM

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Drink of choice: Piccolo

Joining Steve Healey on the gorgeous Kite Terrace rooftop of The Thomas Dixon’s Centre is his latest Coffee Conversation guest, Leanne Benjamin OBE AM.

Appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, Leanne has taken over the reins following the retirement of Li Cunxin AO at the end of 2023, after 11 years at the helm.

Born and raised in Rockhampton, Leanne left the North Queensland town aged 16 to join the Royal ballet School, but is excited being back in her home state of Queensland having spent many years dancing abroad and working with various ballet companies.

In her chat with Steve, over a piccolo, Leanne shares her excitement in the changes she has seen since returning to Brisbane, and being absolutely in awe when arriving at the new home of Queensland Ballet, The Thomas Dixon Centre for the first time. She’s seen a real shift of people wanting to visit Brisbane, being more aware of the arts and experiences it has to offer.

Watch Steve’s interview with Leanne Benjamin OBE AM to learn more about Leanne’s story and gain a greater insight into her vision for Queensland Ballet.

The journey ahead is an exciting one for Leanne, as she shares with Steve her leadership approach and eagerness to put her own stamp on the Queensland Ballet from working on the repertoire, welcoming new voices to the company, allowing dancers to grow and nurturing the next generation of talent. She’s had to hit the ground running and fast track the planning for the 2025 Season, using the solid foundations set up by Li Cunxin AO, and building relationships with the company’s dancers as they embark on the next exciting chapter of Queensland Ballet’s story.