RNZB: Tutus on Tour

Dance lovers of all ages can look forward to a programme which uplifts classical favourites, showcases exquisite costumes, delivers breath-taking ballet technique, and presents a new tribute to the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s founding fathers.

Tutus on Tour will feature excerpts from former Artistic Director Russell Kerr’s beautiful production of Swan Lake, ahead of the company’s full-length Swan Lake season in May 2024. Featuring dazzling designs by Kristian Fredrikson, created in 1996, the performances will include the ‘Black Swan’ pas de deux (dance for two), the famous ‘Cygnets’ quartet (for four), the graceful Pas de Trois (for three) from Act I, and the grand Hungarian and Spanish dances – a special highlight of Act III.

Complementing the classical splendour of Swan Lake is RNZB Choreographer in Residence Shaun James Kelly’s Prismatic, inspired by RNZB founder Poul Gnatt and choreographer Russell Kerr’s landmark Prismatic Variations, set to the music of Johannes Brahms. Commissioned to mark the RNZB’s 70th birthday in 2023, Prismatic unites all the hallmarks of Kelly’s confident choreographic style – grounded in traditional ballet technique and inspired by the rhythmic and melodic arcs of the soaring score.

Closing the beautiful Tutus on Tour programme is Clay by Alice Topp, a mesmerising, emotionally charged pas de deux which opens her acclaimed Logos, first seen in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023 in the RNZB’s popular 2023 season Lightscapes.