“I have been thinking about how I would curate,” he said, “how I would nurture dancers, what kind of environment I want to create. I have been an avid spectator, watching work — not just ballet — everywhere, observing companies and directors with great attention.”

Craig Dunn, the chairman of the board of the Australian Ballet, said in a phone interview that the search had attracted more than 50 international applicants. “We wanted someone who had a real cultural affinity with Australia, and with David, we have someone who has spent an important time in his life here, and who really knows, understands and loves the country,” he said.

Mr. Dunn said the search committee and the board had been impressed by Mr. Hallberg’s artistic vision, and that his deep connections to important institutions, choreographers and dancers would be critical for the company. “Australia is still a long way from New York and London, so for David to bring that up-to-date knowledge to us is vital,” he said.

Mr. Hallberg said that he didn’t yet want to talk about his programming intentions, but that he had ideas about certain choreographers who haven’t been seen in Australia. “I have many names in my head for those first phone calls,” he said.

His other major ambition, he said, was to better integrate the ballet company into Australian society and culture. “It’s partly about education, partly about going to more isolated communities and being involved with other dance and cultural institutions,” he said.

He added: “Come January 2021, it won’t be about me anymore; it will be about this institution and its dancers.”