WA Ballet Unveils Incandescence: Ballet At The Quarry for Perth Festival 2026
Western Australia Ballet is set to illuminate the stage with Incandescence: Ballet At The Quarry, a captivating program featuring four world premiere works as part of the Perth Festival 2026. Among these is Paper Moon, choreographed by company soloist Polly Hilton, marking her first mainstage commission. This annual tradition, held at City Beach's iconic Quarry Amphitheatre, continues to showcase the company's innovative spirit and artistic growth.
Polly Hilton's Artistic Evolution and Dream Realised
Polly Hilton, a soloist with WA Ballet since 2019, describes this opportunity as a dream come true. Having joined the company in 2013 under artistic director Aurelien Scannella, Hilton has flourished through initiatives like the Genesis showcase, where she has created nearly ten short works. One of these pieces later contributed to Heartache, performed at Ballet At The Quarry in 2021. Now, at 33, she embraces the responsibility of a mainstage production with enthusiasm, viewing it as a gift of a project that reconnects her with childhood wonder.
It's just always such a period of growth for everybody when they do Genesis . . . but to play at the Quarry, for me, is just such a dream come true because it's such an iconic venue and character in itself, Hilton shares. She approaches the work with a playful mindset, inspired by her younger self's imagination.
Paper Moon: A Journey Through Childhood Dreams and Nostalgia
Inspired by the song It's Only A Paper Moon, Hilton's 18½-minute piece explores themes of childhood play, dreams, and the stories we construct. Drawing from early 1900s wedding photography, where couples were pictured in crescent moons symbolising hope, the work reflects on the contrast between idealised moments and reality. It's a beautiful yet unrealistic image, Hilton explains. But we all do it, we all attach ourselves to these perfect moments that actually sometimes aren't really the real thing.
As she nears the later stages of her career, Hilton uses this choreography to reflect on personal dreams and identities, blending influences from her diverse background. Growing up in Hong Kong as a figure skater and Irish dancer, with exposure to Balinese dance and inspirations like Mulan and Anne Boleyn, she brings a global perspective to ballet. Her professional roles, such as Kitri in Don Quixote and the Evil Queen in Snow White, have further shaped her artistic voice.
Collaborative Creativity and Design Elements
Hilton's choreographic process is deeply collaborative, involving close work with WA Ballet's wardrobe department to realise her vision. The costumes for Paper Moon feature neutral colours, intentionally mirroring the limestone walls of the Quarry Amphitheatre to enhance the venue's natural character. I've really focused on texture and shape and volume... and we've got lots of props, she notes, emphasising the tactile and visual elements of the production.
The soundtrack, curated by composers including Bobby Krlic, complements the narrative, while Hilton's attention to gestural work—influenced by flamenco and other dance forms—adds depth to the performance. This holistic approach underscores her belief that such opportunities are transformative, fostering adaptability and finding beauty in challenges.
Incandescence Program and Broader Impact
Paper Moon is part of a broader program that highlights WA Ballet's commitment to nurturing talent. Other works include principal artist Chihiro Nomura's solo choreographic debut with Night Symphony Colours, Tim Harbour's Once And Future, and Ihsan Rustem's title piece Incandescence. Hilton expresses gratitude for the supportive environment, particularly for young female choreographers, stating, I just think it's a really lovely era to be in, especially as a young female choreographer. I couldn't be happier.
Incandescence: Ballet At The Quarry will run from February 6 to 28 at the Quarry Amphitheatre, offering audiences a unique blend of innovation and tradition in Perth's cultural landscape.
