Ex- Qld Ballet AD François Klaus’ tells all in new book
After a lifetime training under the likes of Rudolf Nureyev and directing ballet companies, renowned dancer and choreographer François Klaus, who will,be Glugs of Gosh guest speaker next week, is releasing a book on the ballet world. Beyond the Barre is a candid look at the lives of dancers, teachers, and choreographers in the dance world today.
Drawing on his experience as artistic director, Klaus knew there was an audience for an inside glimpse into the world of dance.
"I began a program in Switzerland and then expanded it in Queensland Ballet to a behind-the-scenes series called Vis-à-Vis ” says Klaus “I was always amazed at how hungry audiences were to know more about the profession. For most of them, ballet was just a series of clichés - tutus, tights, and pretty costumes. Even among professionals there are a lot of misconceptions about ballet and this book is a way to answer that, in a very light hearted way, of course”, he continues.
Beyond the Barre is packed with personal anecdotes on everything from strange auditions to the mentorship of Rudolf Nureyev. It takes a light-hearted but thoughtful look at the art of dancers, teachers and choreographers and their place in the modern world.
Best known to Australian audiences as artistic director and chief choreographer of Queensland Ballet between 1998-2013, Klaus and his wife Robyn, also an ex-principal dancer are now much sought-after to share their wealth of experience with the next generation of dancers.
They are currently contracted as guest teachers in some of Europe's leading dance companies, including les Ballets de Monte Carlo, l'Academie de la Princess Grace de Monte Carlo, Béjart Ballet Lausanne Switzerland, Deutsche Oper Berlin, while in Asia the couple teach regularly for Singapore Dance Theatre, where François' most recent choreography, Midnight Waltzes, premiered in the Esplanade theatre in August, 2015.
The highly anticipated Beyond the Barre, with original illustrations by Sydney artist Brenda Tye, will be available as an ebook on amazon.com from July 15, 2016
A hard copy will be released later in 2016 this year.