The Australian Ballet's five key goals

When The Australian Ballet was founded in 1962, an artistic policy consisting of five key goals was established. These five goals remain a driving force behind the continued success of The Australian Ballet and serve as a constant reminder of the company's many achievements.

1. That the company should provide full-time employment for professional Australian dancers.

2. That a school be established to provide professional training for dance students in techniques and styles required by the company.

3. That a repertoire of ballets be built up, including the following:
a) The full-length classics of the nineteenth century;
b) The most distinguished ballets of the twentieth century from all countries, in both classical and contemporary styles;
c) Ballets of Australian origin - that is, to develop Australian choreographers and to encourage Australian composers and designers to collaborate in the production of new works.

4. To bring to this country guest artists of international reputation to dance for the Australian public, and to bring international choreographers to create ballets for the company's repertoire.

5. To develop the company's techniques and style to a high standard of excellence where it could tour overseas and take its place in the international field of ballet. Under the guidance of the company's founding artistic director Peggy van Praagh, each of these goals was achieved with remarkable success in less than five years.

Peggy van Praagh retired as artistic director in 1974, and was succeeded by Robert Helpmann who had co-directed the company with van Praagh since 1965. Anne Woolliams, Marilyn Jones, Maina Gielgud and Ross Stretton followed in this role, each contributing to the company's evolving identity as a national icon. In July 2001, David McAllister was appointed artistic director of The Australian Ballet.