Kira brought a wealth of knowledge and European experience to Laurel Martyn’s Ballet Guild and the Melbourne-based National Theatre Ballet by remounting ballets that she knew from her time with the Ballets Russes and also by creating some works of her own.
She established one of our first state-based ballet companies, the West Australian State Ballet in Perth (1952) with composer James Penberthy, in spite of the significant lack of resources and support. This collaboration led to the creation of many new Australian works and a company that is still thriving 40 years later. Kira is one of our national treasures—a courageous and inspired director, choreographer and teacher.
