Inheriting abilities from one’s parents is one of the happy accidents of birth. A remarkable example of inheritance of exceptional abilities from both sides is Alexander Campbell, an Australian principal dancer with the Royal Ballet who will be appearing with that company in Brisbane between 29 June and 9 July. At the age of 14, Campbell showed outstanding promise in both ballet and cricket. His mother’s family were dancers; indeed both his maternal grandparents Valma Briggs and Mario Desva were principals with the Ballet Rambert in the 1950s. His father, Alan Campbell was a manager and selector for Cricket NSW and State Director of Coaching. At 14, Alexander had to choose which path to follow. He chose ballet which took him first to the Royal Ballet School; last year at 29 he was made a principal. But cricket is still part of his life. In England he is a respected coach.

Steven McRae, an established star of the Royal Ballet, will also be in the Brisbane season. They will be featured in two ambitious full length works. The Winter’s Tale choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon is based on Shakespeare’s play. Woolf Works with music by Max Richter is choreographed by Wayne McGregor; he sets three stories by Virginia Woolf: Mrs Dalloway, Orlando and The Waves. This important season is the latest in the International Series at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Ballet lovers flying north will be well rewarded.