In June and July this year, thousands of visitors were captivated by Tutus & Pointe Shoes, an exhibition in the Festival Theatre Galleries made possible thanks to the generous support of Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation supporters.
Enriched by the generosity of The Australian Ballet, who loaned Jill Ogai’s costumes, footage, and photographs in addition to objects and costumes from Adelaide Festival Centre's Performing Arts Collection, the exhibition gave visitors an intimate look at the artistry behind ballet. From the intricate lacework of a classical tutu to the worn satin of a dancer’s pointe shoes, each of these iconic pieces (some on display for the very first time) told a story of grace, discipline, and the demanding realities of a dancer's life. Seeing them up close enabled a renewed appreciation for the dedication of dancers and the rich legacy of their art form.
The exhibition also provided a unique opportunity to nurture the next generation of arts professionals. Caitlin and Sam, students from Adelaide Central School of Art, joined the Adelaide Festival Centre Exhibitions and Collections team for a semester-long industry placement. They researched, designed, and wrote the labels for the exhibition, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and specialised knowledge about the preservation of these historical artifacts.
Image: Caitlin and Sam, students from Adelaide Central School of Art.
Caitlin and Sam described the project as a unique experience, a chance to learn directly from professionals and contribute to an exhibition seen by thousands.
“Working on Tutus and Pointe Shoes as part of our work experience was an incredibly insightful experience. I was able to witness from beginning to end, the process of creating and setting up a big exhibition. I learnt so many valuable skills which will be very beneficial to my art practice. From learning about the art of curating, to hanging works of art and writing captions, I enjoyed every part of it. I would also like to thank Helen Trepa and Charissa Davies for mentoring both Caitlin and I every step of the way.” – Sam Klaebe, Student from Adelaide Central School of Art
Image: Install of Tutus and Pointe Shoes exhibition.
"Being involved from start to finish in Tutu's and Pointe Shoes exhibition was a gratifying and unforgettable experience. From the beginning, exploring the collection and researching the rich history of ballet and the art of pointe shoes, I was in constant awe of the process. I gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and teamwork in curation, thanks to the guidance of Hellen Trepa and Charissa Davies during the placement.
Having to write the display labels that captivate the audience was an exciting and new experience. Then, witnessing the exhibition's impact in person and seeing the appreciation of ballet in so many individuals was highly rewarding. I am so grateful for participating in such a meaningful and beautiful journey." – Caitlin Elliott, Student from Adelaide Central School of Art
Image: Guests enjoying the Tutus and Pointe Shoes exhibition.
The Tutus & Pointe Shoes exhibition is a powerful example of donor generosity in action, inspiring and educating audiences, creating pathways for emerging arts workers and keeping the magic of performance alive for our community.
Thank you for helping Adelaide Festival Centre bring the stories behind ballet to life.
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