Queensland Ballet investment to deliver programs supporting wellbeing of vulnerable communities

The Queensland Government is investing $750,000 in Queensland Ballet to offer clinically designed dance rehabilitation, mobility, and strength classes for key groups throughout the state.

Queensland Ballet has received the funding to deliver several programs through the brand new Van Norton Li Community Health Institute.

The classes are for people with a range of health conditions in Queensland, including Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries, arthritis, mobility issues, neurological and mental health conditions, and orthopaedic rehabilitation patients.

The programs are based on research and have been designed and evaluated by Queensland Ballet teaching artists, health clinicians, and researchers from Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology.

The programs will be offered to key groups in the community, residential aged care facilities, and various hospital settings until 30 June 2026.

Importantly, the funding will allow these programs to grow and reach people in both metropolitan and regional areas, regardless of their abilities, challenges, or barriers to physical activity and participation.

 Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO shared “Dance has changed my life in so many positive ways. I am so pleased that this funding will help us to improve our community’s health and wellbeing, using dance as our tool.

“I applaud the Queensland Government and Queensland Health for their innovation and vision to support our Dance Health programs, as part of the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute.

“We will reach people in metropolitan, remote, and regional areas, to assist their physical, mental and social health through the joy of dance and music.

“Dance brings a range of health and wellbeing benefits, in a proactive and enjoyable way – you just get immersed in it! Everyone, of all ages and abilities, can participate.

“We can’t wait to expand our programs to impact more peoples’ lives across Queensland.”

QLD Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman enthused “I am thrilled that we are partnering with Queensland Ballet to offer innovative and research-driven healthcare to all Queenslanders.

“We know that dance and rehabilitation programs offer a range of health benefits including improved strength, mobility, and balance, as well as opportunities for social connection.

“The $750,000 investment will deliver tailored programs to people with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and mobility issues to support their health and wellbeing."

Li Cunxin recently used a company tour to Canberra to highlight the lack of Federal Government Funding for Queensland arts companies, labelling the current system, outdated.  

Speaking publicly in the Nation’s Capital, he even suggested that the lack of Federal support despite years of advocacy for funding parity between States and Territories, and the relentless pursuit of a sustainable world class ballet company in Queensland had contributed to his ill health.  

Li is calling for a fair distribution of Federal funding for the Arts in general, in particular for Queensland Arts and Arts Training organisations. 

“Queenslanders, particularly young Queenslanders, should not be disadvantaged because of old funding models or lack of transparency regarding how to access Federal funding opportunities.  

“Despite growing to be the second largest of the dance companies in Australia, Queensland Ballet receives the least funding from the Federal government, even though Queenslanders make up 20% of the population.

“Over the years, this disparity has placed the company at a huge financial disadvantage compared to our peers in other States. We are fortunate that our philanthropic and corporate partners have leapt to the challenge, sharing our vision for Queensland. That’s come at a cost, and for me personally, I have no doubt it has contributed to the decline in my health as I have been single-mindedly stubborn in my belief that Queenslanders should not be disadvantaged. 

“The Queensland Ballet Academy also receives no funding from Federal government which funds similar elite training organisations in New South Wales and Victoria annually. Recently, the Federal Government announced additional support for these organisations in NSW and VIC due to the impact of the global pandemic which is certainly deserved, but no funding was provided to Queensland organisations.  

”Over the years, this lack of parity lays a great disadvantage over our Company, Academy and Queenslanders. It means we work harder to sustain jobs and opportunities for artists and arts workers, especially young people seeking pathways, because we believe Queensland deserves the same vibrancy that other States enjoy.” 

Image top: Van Norton Li Community Health Institute; image above: Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin