In 1962, The Australian Ballet staged its very first performance, while a photographer shot discretely from the wings. Over the next five decades, a succession of image-makers--from celebrated snappers to talented amateurs--would shadow the young company's every move. "Luminous "captures 50 years of The Australian Ballet, revealing dancers at work and at play on stage and on tour, in rehersals and in love, and the designers, directors and choreographers who nurtured its artistic vision. Published to concide with the company's 50th anniversary seasons, this handsome coffee table book features defining images and never-before-seen photos accompanied by essays by Australia's leading arts writers, including Alan Brissenden ("TheAustralian, Adelaide Review"), Lee Christofis ("The Australian," "Sydney Morning Herald, The Age";""curator of dance at the National Library of Australia), Deborah Jones ("The Australian"), Valerie Lawson ("Sydney Morning Herald"), Michael Shmith ("The Age"), and Jill Sykes ("Sydney Morning Herald").