David McAllister to step down
Big news from The Australian Ballet.
During The Australian Ballet’s Annual General Meeting on 24 May, it was announced that artistic director David McAllister will be stepping down from the role at the end of 2020.
David began his career at The Australian Ballet in 1983. He was promoted to principal artist six years later and, in 2001, made the transition from dancer to artistic director of The Australian Ballet.
Regarding the decision, David said ‘This has been a process that I have been working with the chair on for a couple of years and I am thrilled to be able to share the news more widely. I feel that it is a perfect time for the company and I to look to the future and I feel honoured to have been a part of The Australian Ballet both as a student, dancer and artistic director for what will be 40 years when I leave at the end of 2020.’
David’s leadership of the company has been something truly special and he will leave an enduring legacy. We are sad to hear this news at FAB but are looking forward to spending 2020 celebrating David and the huge contribution he has made not only to the Australian Ballet, but to the arts in general.