When Leanne Stojmenov steps into the role of Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet in January, it will be the realisation of a dream.
As a young, ambitious dancer, the idea of leading a company – this company – was always quietly there in the background. “Leading a company was something that I aspired to do from the very beginning,” she tells Dance Informa. “The desire took the sideline throughout my performing career but was always there.”
Born and raised in Perth, Stojmenov began her professional journey with WA Ballet as a young dancer before embarking on an international and national career that would see her grace the world’s most prestigious stages. Having resettled in WA a few years ago, she’s ready to shape the company’s future while honouring its past and the roots of classical ballet. “I left WA when I was 19, but it has always been home in my heart. To return after 18 years at The Australian Ballet, with my husband and son, feels incredibly special and fulfilling,” she says.
Logical steps
Stojmenov’s career reads like a ballet lover’s dream. An almost linear trajectory. At just 17, she joined a smaller version of WA Ballet, breaking in her pointe shoes with a company of just 19 dancers under the leadership of Ted Brandsen, the current Artistic Director of Dutch National Ballet, who is stepping down himself in 2026. Brandsen gave Stojmenov rare and relished opportunities to perform.
As she proudly admits, she was thrilled to be dancing with her home company at the start of her career and had two wonderful years immersed in opportunities. “We shared many beautiful works, and being part of such a small company gave me the chance to step into many leading roles,” Stojmenov reflects.
But her sights were firmly set on the bigger classical ballets, and her ambition and hard work rewarded her with an illustrious career at The Australian Ballet, where she would dance her way to a celebrated Principal, within 18 years under the direction of David McAllister AC.
Once again, under the leadership of McAllister as WA Ballet’s Rehearsal Director for the past year, she’s had an opportunity to see a different side to his leadership – McAllister is currently Guest Artistic Director of WA Ballet. When asked what she might take from his tenure into her own, she says, “I feel fortunate to have worked with David; his experience is unrivalled. We are all shaped and inspired by those who lead us over time. What I admire most is that his decisions are consistently guided by what he truly believes is in the best interests of the organisation and its people. David has an exceptional gift for making every individual feel valued within an organisation, and I believe that has been a key part of both bringing out the best in people and driving the success of the companies he leads.”
Now with an eye on the future, the past year as Rehearsal Director has given Stojmenov a behind-the-scenes education in what you might call the business of ballet. A chance to understand how all the moving parts – from administration to production – work together to support artistry. “My current daily engagement across all departments has provided me with a rare, hands-on understanding of how the company functions — not just in theory but in practice. I see the challenges we face, the potential we hold, and the extraordinary talent that we are privileged to nurture.”
A passion for education
As a former WAAPA lecturer and Vice President of Ballet Without Borders, Stojmenov is dedicated to widening entry to ballet in a sport-dominated tradition right here in Australia. “I’m deeply captivated with making ballet accessible. That zeal comes from what ballet has given me, and the extraordinary path it has taken me on. Day by day, I really feel grateful for the richness of life this artwork kind has introduced into my world. If I may help rework the lives of others by ballet, because it has reworked mine, that will be a legacy I’d be actually proud to depart.”
She’s already hinting at planning initiatives to assist younger dancers transitioning into firm life and, equally, packages to assist seasoned dancers put together for careers past the stage. “I wish to ensure that nobody has blinkers on.” A life in ballet is extraordinary, she observes, however she additionally feels a pacesetter’s duty to assist put together artists for what comes subsequent.
The world is our oyster
While too quickly to speak an excessive amount of about her inventive imaginative and prescient, Stojmenov was clear that it blends classical heritage with a dedication to West Australian tales. As we chat about her personal experiences with among the main choreographers in ballet, I ask is there anybody you’ll like to introduce to WA audiences by WA Ballet?
“Sure, there are positively choreographers I’d like to introduce to WA audiences – it’s very a lot a piece in progress,” she notes. “I consider that to really nurture what we’ve right here in WA, it’s essential to herald visionary creators who can encourage us all. Not solely will this enrich our audiences, however it’s going to additionally give our personal artists and creators the prospect to be taught, develop, and be impressed.”
Her dedication to folks and place is obvious, and Stojmenov comes throughout as a champion and fierce advocate for each artists and artistry. When requested for a second to dream blue sky, as if cash have been no object, Stojmenov says worldwide touring could be a dream. “The vitality we’ve right here is so distinctive and highly effective, and I do know it might translate fantastically to audiences world wide. WA has each purpose to be happy with the ballet firm we’ve proper right here in our personal yard.”
She additionally reminisces in regards to the development she personally skilled as an artist abroad. “I additionally wish to foster our native voices and guarantee we’re telling the tales that come from right here. We’re a little bit remoted right here in WA,” she admits with a smile, however is adamant that the world deserves to listen to extra West Australian tales, and Australian tales extra broadly.
Prospects and planning
With WA Ballet celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2027, Stojmenov steps into the function at a second wealthy with legacy and risk. “It is vital for us to maintain our id as Australia’s oldest steady ballet firm. I plan to rejoice our classical heritage while bravely shaping a future that’s distinctly ours — one which nurtures expertise of each artists and creators alike”
From what I can collect, balancing classical works with distinctive storytelling will probably be on the forefront of the following few years for WA Ballet, and it appears sure to be led with an look of a peaceful, nurturing management type. However make no mistake, that ambition that has pushed such a exceptional profession stays. With a historical past of reaching lofty objectives, who is aware of what could be doable beneath Stojmenov’s path for WA Ballet?
From a teenage dream to the helm of Australia’s oldest ballet firm, Stojmenov’s profession has a romantic high quality – a dancer returning to her old flame – the corporate that gave her a begin. Her subsequent act guarantees to carry the precision and heritage of the classics, the eagerness and storytelling of recent voices, and the center of dwelling to West Australian Ballet’s future.
By Nichola Corridor of Dance Informa.
