[CDU eNews] - BALLET DANCERS ARRIVE FOR DSO CONCERT

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Ballet dancers arrive for DSO concert

Amber Scott of The Australian Ballet loves the Top End . . . but she has
vivid memories of an unusual problem caused by the heat during her last two
visits.

"I toured the Top End in 2000 and again in August 2004," she said today,
"and have great memories of Litchfield Park, the termite mounds and the
Paspaley Pearls showroom in particular.

"The tropical climate has a wonderful effect on your body and spirit.
However, my point shoes suffer a detrimental effect as the paper and glue
actually melts."

Amber is looking forward to showing Darwin to her colleague, principal
artist Matthew Lawrence, when they arrive later this week.

They will be in Darwin to perform the pas de deux from The Nutcracker Suite
as part of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra's Invitation to the Dance concert
at the Gardens Amphitheatre on Saturday evening.

Amber said Matthew has performed outdoors in front of 8,000 people at the
Sydney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne - but his usual concern was keeping
warm.

That will not be a problem under the dry season sky on Saturday. And, as
Matthew notes: "It is a thrill to have the power of a full orchestra right
behind you which certainly puts the dancers in the mood."

After this weekend's concert, Matthew and Amber will join a national tour
with The Australian Ballet, which begins in Canberra next week.

Tango exponent Gaston Valdez has also flown in to appear with the DSO.
Gaston, who grew up in Argentina and now lives in Brisbane, devotes his
time to teaching and performing this beautiful and sensuous dance.

Invitation to the Dance is the first Symphony in the Gardens for 2005.
Tickets at $20 each (children $15) will be available at the new box office
at The Gates from 5.30pm. The concert starts 6.30pm and concludes with a
fireworks finale about 8.30pm. For full details, phone 8946 6488.


DSO Orchestral Manager Barbara Vos is available for interview


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K