Margaret 'Maggie' Wilson has remained an integral member of The Australian Ballet School for 30 years. At the curtain fall of 2020, we will sadly say goodbye to a woman who has been at the heart of The Australian Ballet School’s artistry for years. As our cherished Contemporary Dance teacher & Choreographer, Ms Wilson has been instrumental in nurturing the talents of our students while wowing audiences with her imaginative works that delight with creativity and passion.
Ms Wilson’s career is as successful as it is enduring; she traversed the globe in pursuit of developing her career, which is reflected in her dynamic choreographic portfolio. Having worked with famous choreographers from every corner of the world including Jiří Kylián, Charles Czany and Jaap Flier, Ms Wilson brings an undeniably experienced perspective to her teachings, which has benefited our students immeasurably.
It was in 1971 that Ms Wilson made her professional debut and received the opportunity to dance with Victorian Ballet. She performed significant roles including the portrayal of Clara in The Nutcracker and The Glade by Rex Reid. However, it was when Ms Wilson moved to the Netherlands that her career took flight, first dancing with Nederlands Dans Theatre and later Scapino Ballet in Amsterdam. As a principal dancer with Australian Dance Theatre, Ms Wilson gained recognition for her performances in works created by Christopher Bruce, Glen Tetley, Jonathan Taylor and Norman Morris. Ms Wilson also received a study grant from the South Australian Ministry of Arts to study Contemporary Dance in New York.
Before joining The Australian Ballet School in 1990, Ms Wilson taught Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Centre for the Performing Arts in Adelaide and Contemporary Dance at Victorian College of the Arts.
Throughout her expansive career at The Australian Ballet School, some of Ms Wilson’s most memorable choreographic works have included Nuance (2009), Quintet (2012), Continuum (2013), Invisible Icon (2015), Journey (2016 & 2019), Vitae (2017), Heart Strings (2018) and After Escher (2019).
(Vitae 2017, Photography by Sergey Konstantinov)
For students, Ms Wilson will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, creativity and positive energy. For staff, she will be remembered for her humour and endearing kindness.
'Maggie has such a zest for life, when I think of her I see passion, commitment, boundless energy, no fuss attitude, generous heart and a whole lot of laughs. Her many wonderful creations over the years have provided endless growth opportunities for our students and moving, passionate experiences for all who see them. A wonderful artist.' – Lynette Wills, Classical Teacher
'She is an inspiration as a teacher in her genre. Her choreography is a beautiful thread that she has woven for so many young dancers. I love her enthusiasm and vision, her humour and her friendship.' – Joanne Michel, Classical Teacher
It is a bittersweet time farewelling an enchanting woman who has breathed life into the soul of our Studios for decades. Without hesitation, we wish Ms Wilson a joyous adventure beyond our Studios but look forward to the moments of paths crossing again.
To our 'Marvellous Maggie', we wish you farewell.
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