91 year old dance legend Jacqueline Morland relives her Queensland Ballet days at performance

Last week, one of Freedom Aged Care Rochedale's beautiful residents, Jacquie Morland, attended the second show of the La Bayadère ballet season at QPAC in South Bank.

Jacquie is a revered member of the ballet industry, having received the prestigious Presidents Award from the Royal Academy of Dance and having had a state talent award named after her, the Jacqueline Morland Award.   

Prior to the show Jacquie enjoyed a lovely high tea at the Lyrebird restaurant with some of her oldest friends and fellow ballet royalty Pamela Kier and Margaret Lucas.  After their high tea it was time for the show, which was the first one Jacquie has seen in a long time – “It has been quite a while since I have seen some Ballet, It was lovely, a real treat.”

After enjoying the spectacular show it was time to surprise Jacquie with a meeting from Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, and dancers Neneka Yoshida, Camilo Ramos and Mia Heathcote.  Jacquie loved this surprise and was instantly in her element.  She was quick to let Li know what a wonderful job he is doing as director of the Queensland Ballet.  Li was humbled to meet Jacquie and wanted to thank her for coming out to see the show, but also for everything she has done for dance and the Queensland Ballet.

Jacquie was delighted to meet the dancers and particularly loved catching up with Mia Heathcote, who she has not seen in quite some time. Jacquie was pleased to see that Mia was still working with the Queensland Ballet.  Jacquie was a teacher at Queensland Ballet for a long time and knows how much hard work is involved in professional ballet and was quick to commend the dancers for all their efforts, jokingly referring to Li as a slave driver. 

Jacquie mentioned that the dancers were a lovely group and was so pleased to have had the chance to meet them all.

Jacquie lived and breathed ballet for most of her life and as you can imagine had a wonderful day, surrounded by friends and immersed in what she loves. 

Find out more about Freedom Aged Care.