Seven of The Australian Ballet's leading dancers, including principals Madeleine Eastoe and Lana Jones, last night performed the seventh annual pas de deux in paradise under the stars at Hamilton Island's luxury resort, qualia located at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.  

The intimate, behind the scenes qualia experience began with the exclusive viewing of the morning barre session set up on a purpose built stage at the resort's Pebble Beach, overlooking the idyllic Whitsundays. Hosted by the company's Artistic Director, David McAllister AM, guests watched in awe as the dancers warmed up for the evening's performance.  

As the sun began to set, guests took their seat at the supper club style dinner setting around qualia's Pebble Beach pool. Three thousand garden roses in blush, peach and cream and 400 phalaenopsis orchids were flown in for the occasion with the floral arrangements delicately floated in the pool among candle light.

Guests sipped on Charles Heidsieck champagne and lychee martinis as emcee Catriona Rowntree and David McAllister introduced the five acts as choreographed by Stephen Baynes. The dancers then performed in between courses prepared by qualia Executive Chef, Alastair Waddell.    

The evening concluded with a standing ovation for the dancers and a surprise fireworks display organised by the Oatley family, owners of Hamilton Island and long standing supporters of The Australian Ballet, to celebrate the national dance company and their extraordinary talents.   

For more information, visit www.qualia.com.au/events/australia-ballet.  

Notes to editors:

qualia, Australia's world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island.  qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue and green waters of the Whitsundays.  Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort.  Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. qualia is a member of Relais & Châteaux and welcomes guests 16 years and over. www.qualia.com.au

'qualia' is deliberately spelled with a lower case 'q' as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property.