Louise Deleur †

Louise Deleur was a choreographer whose determination and generous spirit helped shape the landscape of contemporary dance, and whose passing leaves a meaningful absence in the international community. Louise’s career, from the Australian Ballet School to the West Australian Ballet and the Sydney Dance Company, was marked by a rare balance of discipline, curiosity, and artistic integrity.

Her work was guided by a belief that movement is never merely technical. For her, a gesture carried intention, clarity, and a way of engaging with the world. In the studio, she encouraged dancers to search for meaning, to inhabit each phrase fully, and to understand that presence is built from authenticity rather than ornament.

As the founder of the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix, Louise created a space where young artists could develop their individuality and expand their horizons. At the Prix de Lausanne, she was admired for her energy, her openness, and her instinctive ability to make young dancers feel seen and supported. Many recall her precision, her generosity, and her unwavering commitment to contemporary dance, which she championed with conviction.

Her legacy endures, in her works, in the dancers she mentored, and in the thoughtful, human approach to movement that she championed. Louise leaves behind a lasting imprint on the international dance community.