QPAC

L.A. DANCE PROJECT | BENJAMIN MILLEPIED 
The groundbreaking contemporary ballet trilogy shared in full for the first time.

A landmark Australian exclusive and world premiere, Gems by Benjamin Millepied is presented in its entirety for the first time at Brisbane Festival. This bold contemporary ballet by L.A. Dance Project, in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels, reimagines George Balanchine’s revolutionary trilogy Jewels through a modern lens.

Each chapter – Reflections, Hearts & Arrows, and On the Other Side – serves as a contemporary counterpoint to Balanchine’s Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds, forming a dazzling triptych of distinct works, each inspired by the brilliance and character of its namesake gem.

This program of works features a live score by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra and pianist Yanfeng (Tony) Bai from the Colburn School, an internationally renowned LA performing arts school. Twelve years in the making, Gems is finally brought together in an unforgettable Brisbane exclusive dance event.

Reflections: 
The first chapter, Reflections, was conceived as a true artistic collaboration between Benjamin Millepied, composer David Lang, and iconic visual artist Barbara Kruger.

Hearts & Arrows:
Hearts & Arrows pulses with the energy of Philip Glass’s composition Mishima, sharpened by Liam Gillick’s striking design. The New York Times described it as “a propulsive, kinetic stream of movement.”

On the Other Side:
The trilogy concludes with On the Other Side, set to a suite of piano études by Philip Glass and delivering a visually lush and emotive finale.

Gems is part of Brisbane Festival. Find out more here.