Royal NZ Ballet's New York connection

NYC, New Young Classic
Three Short Ballets from the Big Apple
Royal New Zealand Ballet
National Tour
February 29 – March 30

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2012 season opens in Auckland on 29 February with NYC – Three Short Ballets from the Big Apple before travelling to six other NZ centres.

This is new Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel’s first programme for the company and is a celebration of the city that never sleeps, and the place he has spent the past 22 years dancing as a professional.
“The New York dance scene is regarded as one of the world’s leaders. I’m excited to be sharing a slice of the Big Apple with New Zealand audiences,” says Stiefel.

The triple bill presents contrasting ballets by some of New York City’s most acclaimed and innovative choreographers of the past and present.

Newest on the block is one of the city’s most talented young choreographers, Larry Keigwin, commissioned by RNZB to create a new work on the company. Keigwin’s choreographic credentials range from off-Broadway shows to New York Fashion Week’s opening night event, produced by “Vogue”.

International ballet star Gillian Murphy makes her New Zealand debut as RNZB’s Principal Guest Artist in George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” This classic ballet is a celebration of Manhattan and the music of compser George Gershwin’s popular songs including “I Got Rhythm”, “Strike up the Band” and “Lady Be Good”.

“28 Variations on a Theme by Paganin”i completes the line-up, giving NZ audiences a chance to see the work of the choreographer of the movie “Black Swan”. Benjamin Millepied, who also starred in the Darren Aronofsky feature film, created this dynamic ballet in 2005 using Brahms’ compelling piano score.

Auckland
29 February – 3 March
Civic Theatre

Takapuna
6 & 7 March
Bruce Mason Centre

Hamilton
10 & 11 March
Founders Theatre

Ashburton
14 & 15 March
Ashburton Trust Event Centre

Dunedin
18 March
Regent Theatre

Wellington
22 – 25 March
St James Theatre

Napier
29 & 30 March
Napier Municipal Theatre