Showtime for new ballet master

Queensland Ballet Master James Barton
James Barton will join Queensland Ballet's artistic team as a Ballet Master in September. | Queensland Ballet

Queensland Ballet will welcome new ballet master James Barton who will team with Greg Horsman,  Matthew Lawrence and Zenia Tatcheva in teaching, preparing and rehearsing dancers for performances.

Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Leanne Benjamin announced Mr Barton would join the artistic team on September 9.

Ms Benjamin said she was thrilled to make the appointment.

“I have known and worked with James over many years. His vast industry experience will be a great contribution within our artistic team,” she said.

James was a member of Birmingham Royal Ballet from 2006 to 2019 where he danced soloist and principal roles in the majority of the company’s repertoire.

He created roles in ballets by David Bintley, Gillian Lynne and Jessica Lang; as well as touring internationally with the company to the US, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Spain and Germany.

In 2017 he was an original cast member of An American In Paris in the West End, which was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon; and was also a featured performer in Bob Fosse – it’s showtime! for SkyArts.

He has coached Great Britain’s number one gymnast Rebecca Downie, preparing her for the World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

He joined Scottish Ballet as Assistant Rehearsal Director in November 2019.

James Barton
James Barton helps dancers with their performance. | Queensland Ballet

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