After what The Australian Ballet’s Executive Director Libby Christie called “a year of great disappointments and challenges”, there will be a full program of works in 2021, a year TAB has dubbed A New Era.

The most important new element is, of course, David Hallberg as Artistic Director. He succeeds David McAllister formally on 1 January but today launched his first season which, in keeping with the times, was a digital presentation. In a graceful handover, McAllister said Hallberg would “chart a dazzling future” for ballet.

“What an honour it is. I’m immensely thrilled and inspired to be stepping into the role of Artistic Director,” Hallberg said. “We have weathered the storm and it is in with renewed spirit that we return to the stage.” Referring to TAB’s long-standing mantra, he said the company would continue to dare to be different while respecting tradition.

David Hallberg with the Principal Artists of The Australian Ballet. Photograph © Pierre Toussaint

The programming is not...