Guests fly in to help WA dancers

All paths in the ballet world seem to be leading to Perth this month as two special international guests help WA Ballet during a landmark production.

Cuban Oscar Valdes is wowing audiences as a guest artist in a showcase of works by American ballet legend George Balanchine.

WA Ballet scored a coup when it won permission to perform Embraceable You, a Balanchine program approved by the New York trust, which has jealously guarded the legacy of the "father of American ballet" since he died in 1983.

Valdes, 23, who is in hot demand after winning international ballet competitions in Italy and South Africa, has joined WA Ballet for the Balanchine season at His Majesty's Theatre.

Valdes said WA Ballet had attracted him with its high standards, interesting repertoire and welcoming ways. "The people in the company are like a family and that is very good when you come from far away," he said.

The WA Ballet Centre in Maylands also is hosting American teacher Cynthia Harvey, a former prima ballerina.

Harvey is coaching WA Ballet dancers and young Perth dancers. She always appreciated the chance to work with talent across the world. "It helps me expand as a teacher," she said.

Embraceable You runs until May 30.