David McAllister

Perth-born David McAllister AC is a graduate of The Australian Ballet School and began his career with them in 1983. He was promoted to senior artist in 1986, and became a principal artist in January 1989. He took his final bow as a dancer in 2001 and became its artistic director from July that year to 2020.

Mr McAllister returned to Perth to take on the role of guest artistic director at the West Australian Ballet for the 2024 season.

In 2004, Mr McAllister was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the performing arts, particularly as artistic director of the Australian Ballet and as a principal dancer.