How to grow Queensland Ballet … just add water!
Queensland Ballet’s new artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega has arrived from Zurich and been warmly welcomed with a few essentials for his new life in Australia – including a jar of Vegemite and a book about venomous Aussie critters.
Queensland Ballet’s new artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega is here – and he has everything he needs. They made sure of that at what was a bit of an induction ceremony in the Talbot Theatre at QB’s swish headquarters, the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.
To prepare him for his tenure he was handed a kookaburra hand puppet for his son (everyone should have one), a map of Queensland tea towel so he knows his way around (it is, after all, a statewide company), a jar of Vegemite, a book about venomous Australian critters and an Australian flag. And a native Australian pot plant, which will grow like his relationship with the company. As long as he waters it!
He smiled broadly at all this, although when I caught up with him later he says he wasn’t so sure about the Vegemite, although he did say his six-year-old son Max likes it.
Gil-Ortega was born in Madrid and has had a stellar career. He speaks five languages and lives in Zurich. Actually, scratch that. He will now live in Brisbane and is happy to be relocating here with his partner, former dancer Alba Sempere Torres and their son Max.
Zurich, Brisbane, same same? Hardly, but Gil-Ortega is fine with the change of scenery, even if Max will miss being handy to ski fields.
In welcoming the new artistic director, QB board chair Brett Clark made some cryptic remarks following what he termed a “false start” last year, with the much-celebrated appointment of former dancer and Queenslander Leanne Benjamin as artistic director. That didn’t work out and what we’ve all gleaned about that is that there was a disagreement about money. Not her pay packet, but rather how far the company could stretch itself when devising future seasons.
Funds are a bit short after putting so much into a building that is stunning but expensive to maintain. On Gil-Ortega’s induction day it was mentioned that he understood the ballet’s fiscal position. We got the message and I guess he did too. Fair enough.
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Clark says he is “thrilled to welcome Ivan to the Queensland Ballet family following a stellar career on stage, in studio and working alongside some of ballet’s leading lights”.
“Throughout the recruitment process, Ivan articulated his vision very clearly with a particular focus on our dancers of today and our dancers of tomorrow, through the work of our academy.”
Gil Ortega appears happy “to begin this new chapter with Queensland Ballet”.
“One of my first priorities is to work closely with the company dancers and to meet each team member, ensuring that we are all aligned in our aspirations,” he says. “I believe in fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive, and I look forward to getting to know everyone who contributes to making Queensland Ballet the incredible organisation it is.”
Gil-Ortega is a celebrated ballet professional with more than 25 years in the field, holding extensive roles that include principal dancer, assistant director, artistic consultant, freelance rehearsal director, stager and coach. He has worked with QB on a couple of occasions including last year and says he has found Brisbane to be a very welcoming place. Swapping Zurich for Brisbane is a big leap but he’s genuinely looking forward to his time here. He seems like the right person to take the company forward following last year’s hiccup … that “false start” that shocked the arts world.
Of course, none of that had anything to do with him.
Arts minister John-Paul Langbroek highlighted Gil-Ortega’s appointment as a significant milestone in the company’s 65th anniversary year.
“Queensland Ballet has a reputation for creating breathtaking productions, including its sell-out seasons of Strictly Gershwin,” Langbroek says. “Ivan’s involvement with this production demonstrates his appreciation and understanding of the talent within Queensland Ballet, and he joins at an exciting time, with the company entering a new era.”
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‘I will be looking at ways to keep things fresh and exciting …’
Within his first month, Gil-Ortega aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of Queensland Ballet’s repertoire and upcoming productions.
“It is crucial to know what we have in hand, especially as we look ahead to 2026,” he says. “I will be looking at ways to keep things fresh and exciting, including bringing in international choreographers without straining our budget. At the same time, I am keen to explore First Nations programming and commissioning new works for future seasons.”
Another key focus will be building strong relationships with donors, sponsors and partners.
“These connections are the foundation of our success, and I am eager to engage with those who share our passion for the arts,” he says.
Beyond the stage he is also keen to explore how the company can maximise the use of the Talbot Theatre and surrounding corporate areas, ensuring they are leveraged to their full potential. In other words, he will help ensure that the building pays for itself.
International collaboration is also high on his agenda, as he looks to strengthen ties locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
“Building stronger connections will enhance Queensland Ballet’s reputation as a leading company in the dance world,” he says.
“Touring, co-productions and collaborations are key to expanding our reach and bringing our performances to audiences around the world.”
Gil-Ortega also places a strong emphasis on Queensland Ballet Academy and nurturing the next generation of young dancers. Community engagement, diversity and expanding the company’s online presence are also offstage priorities.
Executive director Dilshani Weerasinghe emphasised the importance of Gil-Ortega’s appointment.
“Given our intense growth and transformation since 2013, we have some unique considerations including the need to continue to advocate for federal funding parity for Queenslanders, Queensland Ballet and arts organisations in Queensland,” she says.
Gil-Ortega has his work cut out for him – there’s a pot plant to water and a large jar of Vegemite to help get him through. We wish him well.