Dorothy Helmrich (1889–1984), founder of the Arts Council of Australia, became a driving force in presenting the work as a ballet. The 1950 premiere of the ballet, choreographed by Rex Reid (1921– 2000), performed by the National Theatre Ballet Company, and with costume designs by Robin Lovejoy, was hailed as a "coming-of-age" in Australian cultural life.

As Australia prepared to welcome the first reigning monarch to its shores, Helmrich engaged the American-born dancer and choreographer Beth Dean and her Australian husband Victor Carell to work afresh on the story and choreography. Bill Constable was employed to develop new scenic elements and costume designs.