Our Story
Founded in 2019 by choreographer Emrys Goldsworthy, Brisbane Ballet began as a bold choreographic project with just four dancers and has since blossomed into a professional ballet company featuring a dynamic ensemble. Based in Brisbane, Australia, the company is a vibrant force in the cultural landscape, dedicated to reimagining classical ballet, nurturing emerging choreographers, reviving beloved local works and pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet.
Brisbane Ballet’s journey began with its inaugural public performance, Entropy, a captivating triple bill staged at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. Choreographed by Emrys Goldsworthy, the program featured Isolation, Entropy, and Equilibrium, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovative storytelling through movement. Since then, the company’s repertoire has flourished, with acclaimed seasons including Glassworlds (Talbot Theatre, 2023), In the Shadow of Love, Glassworlds Pas, and Morbus (Brisbane Powerhouse, 2025), Morbus and Aquila (Talbot Theatre, 2025), Exiles (QMC, 2022) and Dichotomy (QMC, 2021).
Each production reflects Brisbane Ballet’s mission to blend ballet’s rich heritage with bold, contemporary creativity.
"I aim to modernise and expand what ballet can be, while cherishing the best of what the past has given us."
Emrys Goldsworthy - Artistic Director
Company Artists
Organisation
Artistic Director and Board Chair - Emrys Goldsworthy
Associate Artistic Director and Board Member - Tahlia Goldsworthy
Music Director and Board Member - John Foster
Corporate Sponsorship Ambassador - Chris Low
Friends of the Ballet Coordinator - Margo Low
Emrys Goldsworthy - Artistic Director
Emrys Goldsworthy is the Artistic Director and choreographer of Brisbane Ballet, a company he founded in 2019 to challenge balletic norms and propel the evolution of ballet in Australia. Renowned for his post-classical and post-modern work, Emrys fuses the precision of classical ballet with daring innovation, creating works that defy convention and redefine the art form.
Mentored by luminaries David Dawson and William Forsythe, he has honed a choreographic style that marries architectural movement, emotional intensity and a fearless exploration of contemporary themes.
Since establishing Brisbane Ballet, Emrys has unleashed a prolific body of work that has reshaped the Australian dance landscape. His signature pieces—including Glassworlds (2023), Pivot-Shift (2022), Triptych (2022), Morbus (2022), Exiles (2022), Carmen (2021), Spectrum (2021), Re:member (2021), Transcendence (2021), In Flux (2020), Mixtape 88 (2020), Four Seasons (2020), Entropy (2019), Equilibrium (2019) and Isolation (2019)—showcase his ability to weave complex narratives and boundary-pushing choreography into unforgettable performances. Each work reflects his commitment to advancing balletic artforms, blending raw physicality with conceptual depth to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Under Emrys’ leadership, Brisbane Ballet has emerged as a bold force in the Australian dance community, celebrated for its progressive spirit and uncompromising artistry.
John Foster - Music Director and Chief Conductor
A world-renowned historical trumpet virtuoso, John Foster is Artistic Director of Queensland Baroque Orchestra and Australian Baroque Brass, and conductor of Sydney’s Orchestra of St James’. Formerly with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (2001–2013), he has performed as a soloist with prestigious ensembles like the Queensland Symphony, Adelaide Symphony, Royal College of Music Orchestra (UK), Il Fundamento (Belgium), and Kammerorchester Basel (Switzerland). His global career includes festivals, solo recordings, and broadcasts for radio, TV, and film. John has delivered masterclasses at Juilliard, Sydney Conservatorium, and more, and directs the Australasian Trumpet Academy, drawing international talent since 2015.
Equally versatile in commercial music, John has performed with icons like Luciano Pavarotti, Olivia Newton-John, George Benson, Diana Krall, and John Farnham, with recordings spanning classical, jazz, rock, and pop. A former International Trumpet Guild board member, John’s visionary leadership will elevate Brisbane Ballet’s artistic excellence!
Productions
Morbus (2025)
Choreographed by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by J. S. Bach, A. Vivaldi, H. Purcell and J. Rameau
Aquila (2025)
Choreographed by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by Stanlee Harris
In The Shadow Of Love (2025)
Choreographed by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by Arvo Pärt
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Glassworlds (2023)
Choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by Philip Glass
Pivot-Shift (2022)
Choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by various artists
Triptych (2022)
Choreographed by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by various artists
Exiles (2022)
Choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by Max Richter
Spectrum (2021)
Choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy
Music by Joby Talbot
Supporters
