An upcoming youth ballet production will share the story of Eva Perón, with rehearsals in Melton and a performance in Moonee Ponds.
A group of 38 young dancers from several schools across the western suburbs and rural Victoria will perform EVA – sharing the story of former Argentinian first lady Eva Perón.
Her story will be presented through a blend of classical ballet, tango and Latin rhythms.
Eva Perón, nicknamed Evita, was an Argentinian activist, politician, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from 1946 before dying in 1952.
A production by the Western Ballet Project, the cast for EVA was formed three months ago and will all meet for the first time only five days before show day – an incredible feat from choreographers and dancers.
Western Ballet Project artistic director Sophie O’Donnell said that when choosing the topic for this production, she was first drawn to the music: tango.
“Tango was born in the working-class neighbourhoods and port cities of Argentina. Tango was a dance of the people – raw, passionate, and at times, rebellious. Once I learnt of the tango’s origins, Argentina, it instantly made me think of Evita,” O’Donnell said.
“After more research, I found I was drawn to the life of Eva – not as a famous figure, but as a young woman who rose from poverty with incredible determination. Eva’s story is about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always welcome you,” she said.
“I knew this was a message our young dancers, and our audiences, could deeply connect with.”
Staying true to the story of Eva, several of the dresses in act two of the production are authentic outfits from the 1930s.
The rehearsals for EVA will be held from 9am–4pm from Tuesday, July 8 to Saturday, July 12 at Galactic Dance and Events in Melton.
The show will be performed at 6.30pm on Sunday, July 13 at The Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds.
Ticket pricing and options are available on the centre’s website.
Details: clocktowercentre.com.au/western-ballet-project-eva
