EDGE OF NIGHT to play Arts Centre of Melbourne & Opera Theatre of Sydney, 8/26

Two generations of Australian ballet talent come together to present Edge of Night for The Australian Ballet in 2010.

In keeping with the company's tradition of caring for tradition while daring to be different, Edge of night is a triple bill where resident choreographer Stephen Baynes presents two critically acclaimed works alongside a world premiere for rising star Tim Harbour.

Opening in Melbourne at the Arts Centre on 26 August, the season heads to the Sydney Opera House from 11 November.

Baynes and Harbour both trained with The Australian Ballet School, danced for many years with The Australian Ballet, and now create beautiful works for its artists to perform. For Artistic Director David McAllister, Baynes and Harbour come together in Edge of night to showcase the very best traits of Australian choreography.

"It's all about having a willingness to take risks, opting for a bold and playful approach, and ensuring there is an ongoing respect for classical ballet technique," McAllister said.

When Baynes' Molto Vivace premiered in 2003, Handel's score was accompanied by the sound of dropping jaws. Boldly colourful, playful and laugh-out-loud funny, it showed the future of ballet was bright indeed.

In contrast, the achingly romantic At the edge of nightshows a very different side to Baynes' work. Set to seven preludes by Sergei Rachmaninov, the music, says Baynes "speaks of a nostalgic yearning, of idyllic dreams, of pride and passion." And so does the ballet.