Prepare to be immersed in the magic of classical dance this September, as Helpmann Award winner Alice Topp presents her first full-length ballet Butterfly Effect. Presented by West Australian Ballet, this limit-pushing masterpiece challenges the roles traditionally taken on by women in ballet, exploring the themes of identity, transformation, and belonging.
Redefining Women's Roles In Ballet
In her 17-year career as a professional ballet dancer—including a five-year stint as resident choreographer at The Australian Ballet—Topp was regularly tasked with playing the classics: fairies, nymphs, snowflakes. But she’s unapologetically switching up traditional roles for Butterfly Effect.
“I think it’s important to have women of today represented on our ballet stages, just as they are in other art forms like film and theatre,” says Topp.
“Ballet is an old language, but we need to continue to progress and develop not only the language of movement, but the storytelling to better reflect today’s landscape.”
Set in contemporary Western Australia, the story centres Charlie, a complex woman torn between her own decisions and societal expectations. Aptly named to represent her radical transformation, Butterfly Effect follows Charlie as she navigates a career as a medic and Army Reservist, falling in love, motherhood and an ongoing fight for positive change.
Make A Night Of It
The arrival of Butterfly Effect gives Perth locals an exciting chance to be a part of a groundbreaking approach to classical ballet—and should be sitting at the top list for your next night out.
His Majesty's Theatre also sits in the heart of the CBD, setting you up for a top-tier pre-show bite. Make tracks for an early dinner at Light Years, where you can fuel up on all the sashimi, dumplings and bao your heart desires. From there, it’s just a six-minute walk to the theatre. Post-show, you’ll need a debrief, so head to The Royal for a casual pour, or Wine Merchant for a vino or two.
THE DETAILS
What: Butterfly Effect
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
When: 5–20 September, 2025
Grab your tickets here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by WA Ballet and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Supplied