It is with profound sadness that the dance community has learned of the sudden passing of Louise Deleur, revered teacher, choreographer, and founder of the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix (BICDP).
According to announcements from the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge and local dance networks, Louise Deleur died peacefully at her home in Brisbane on July 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She “passed away this morning” and was remembered as “our beautiful Louise Deleur” and “our angel” by colleagues and students.
Louise’s career spanned both classical and contemporary dance. A graduate of the Australian Ballet School (class of 1985), her early training laid a strong foundation in classical technique. Yet she ultimately developed a passion for contemporary expression, training under luminaries such as Leigh Warren, Graeme Murphy, and making impactful contributions through her own choreographic voice.
In Brisbane, Louise made her mark as Head of Contemporary Dance and Resident Choreographer at the Queensland Ballet Academy, where she spearheaded the teaching of their contemporary curriculum. She designed innovative courses, mentored scores of students toward professional careers, and elevated contemporary dance education in Australia.
Perhaps her most lasting legacy is the creation of the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix—Australia’s first private international festival and competition dedicated exclusively to contemporary dance. As its artistic director, she offered emerging dancers from Australia and overseas a rare platform to be seen by professionals and to transition into company life—a vision born from her observation that classical ballet competitions like the Prix de Lausanne offered no equivalent for contemporary dancers.
Throughout her career, Louise was widely admired not just for her technical and choreographic expertise, but also for her dedication to students. She once reflected that she looked for in dancers “not only technical ability but also an awareness of their body, artistic connection to movement, personality, honesty, passion…” qualities that she nurtured in her trainees to help them find their individual creative voice.
Colleagues describe her as creative, generous, and inspirational. As Queensland Ballet Academy colleague Grant Aris noted: Louise’s international experiences—including her Pilates studies in New York and work with Sydney Dance Company—informed a teaching approach that emphasized movement efficiency, body mechanics, and versatility in contemporary style.
In her choreographic works—such as the solo “Burralga”, inspired by the brolga bird in Mununjali language and performed at the Queensland Ballet Academy Gala—Louise honored her cultural influences and her belief in storytelling through movement. Her choreography was fluid yet grounded, expressive yet technically demanding.
The dance communities in Brisbane and beyond have lost one of their brightest lights. At the time of her death she was active, visionary, and deeply engaged in teaching and creating. Her sudden passing leaves a void—for her students, for the Academy, for the BICDP festival, and for contemporary dance in Australia.
She is survived by friends, family, colleagues, and an extensive legacy of dancers she trained and inspired. Though she is gone, her impact endures in the lives she shaped and in the institution she built—ensuring that contemporary dance in Australia continues to grow.
