Telstra and The Australian Ballet leap into silver jubilee year

Telstra and The Australian Ballet have signed a three year sponsorship agreement, extending our partnership into a record twenty-fifth year.

Group Managing Director of Telstra Consumer, Mr David Moffatt, said the relationship now includes an online media component that allows ballet fans to use their smart phones and personal computers to download ringtones or watch snack-sized ballet documentaries.

"As a company who has made a contribution to Australia for more than 150 years, Telstra values long-term relationships. Twenty-five years of partnership with the Australian Ballet is testament to that sentiment.

“Telstra is committed to making dance accessible to more Australians through the sponsorship of regional tours and by using Telstra’s world leading communications technology, namely the Next G network,” Mr Moffatt said.

The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director, Valerie Wilder, said Telstra’s support was invaluable to the company.

“We are extremely proud to reach this significant milestone with Telstra; twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement,” Ms Wilder said.

“Our partnership with Telstra allows us to perform at the highest possible level, and produce art that is relevant, enriching and inspirational to audiences across Australia, and not just in major cities,” Ms Wilder said.

Telstra’s commitment to making dance more accessible to more Australians continues this year through:

* A free world-class performance in Brisbane on Friday 27 March 2009, featuring eight virtuosic gems from The Australian Ballet’s repertoire, set against the music of ballet’s best-known composers;
* The Dancers Company regional touring arm of The Australian Ballet, performing in ten regional locations across Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory between 15 July and 20 August 2009;
* The Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, which recognises young dancers for their hard work, talent and passion in the highly competitive and demanding industry. The Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner receives a $20,000 cash prize while the People’s Choice Award, worth $5,000 cash, is presented to the dancer who receives the most votes from the public; and
* Informative, online mini-documentaries exploring the world behind The Australian Ballet. Regularly updated, these resources grant more and more Australians with access to one of the busiest ballet companies in the world.