Royal New Zealand Ballet — 2024 season

Both the grand tradition of ballet and the inventiveness of contemporary choreographers are covered in the exciting programme. Two beloved ballets are back by popular demand and two thrilling world premieres are offered to audiences.

Tutus on Tour — 23 to 24 February

For its annual tour, RNZB provides dance lovers with a diverse and accessible programme of classical favourites. ‘Tutus on Tour’ offers excerpts from Russell Kerr’s beautiful production of ‘Swan Lake’. These include the famous ‘Cygnets’ quartet, and the grand Hungarian and Spanish dances. Complimenting the classical splendour is Choreographer in Residence Shaun James Kelly’s ‘Prismatic’. Set to the music of Johannes Brahms it promises to be a breathless delight. Rounding out the programme is the emotionally charged ‘Clay’ by Alice Topp.

RNZB Swan Lake — 1 to 5 May

Considered the greatest of all classical ballets, ‘Swan Lake’ is a perfect marriage of music and dance. Tchaikovsky’s romantic sweeping score is lush and instantly recognisable. This beautiful production, not seen in Aotearoa since 2013, transports the audience from the palace ballroom to the lakeside. Take in opulent sets, costumes, and lighting. The dancer’s skill and characterisation bring the iconic characters to life and draw you into the unfolding tragedy. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will be in the pit bringing the music to life.

A royal New Zealand Ballet dancer performing in Swan Lake. They are wearing a white tutu. Their arms are extended back behind them in a dramatic pose.

Solace: Dance to feed your soul — 1 to 3 August

Winter brings a trio of premieres to Wellington audiences. ‘Solace: dance to feed your soul’ is a mix of new and recent ballets by some leading choreographers. Wayne McGregor’s ‘Infra’ is a meditation on the loneliness, connections, and consolations that lie beneath the teeming surface of the city. Choreographer in Residence Sarah Foster creates ‘To Hold’, her fifth work for the RNZB. Alice Topp creates ‘High Tide’ — a tender depiction of the never-ending morphosis from birth to death.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream — 24 to 27 October

Shakespeare’s iconic characters and enchanted wood come to life in this sparkling ballet. Created for the RNZB by Liam Scarlett, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was an overnight sensation at its premiere in 2015. Don’t miss your chance to see this spectacular ballet when it returns to Wellington for a limited season.