Beatrix Potter's beloved characters come to life as dancers of the Nelson Academy of Dance perform tales from the famous author. Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Jeremy Fisher the dapper frog, take to the stage for a festive performance that will delight children and adults alike.
Squirrel Nutkin, 2 Bad Mice, Pigling Bland, Country Mice, Tabitha Twitchett, and all the other characters will take you back to your childhood memories.
As can be expected from the Nelson Academy of Dance you will be treated to a wonderful set and stunning costumes, making this a performance not to be missed.
The Tales of Beatrix Potter is running as a double bill with The Jewels: emerald, ruby and diamonds.
Both ballets feature music by well-known composers, with Tales of Beatrix Potter arranged by John Lanchbery.
Gillian Francis is delighted to welcome back Jordan Nelson in this year's performances.
Jordan made his way into his first dance class at age 18 and began dancing professionally with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet and Columbia City Ballet. He has since danced with Elements Contemporary Ballet, Madison Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence and has been a guest artist around the world. His career highlights include: performing Tchaikovsky Pas de deux at the Harris theatre, dancing with stars of NYCB in Stars and Stripes and Allegro Brillante, and getting to perform numerous times on the Opera House stage at The Kennedy Center.
Jordan just finished his first season with Saint Louis Ballet under Gen Horiuchi and couldn't be more excited for what is still to come.
Following sell-out performances around New Zealand in 2018, the RNZB is delighted to be expanding Tutus on Tour to take in eleven regional centres in 2019. From Kerikeri and Whangarei to Oamaru and Gore, Tutus on Tour brings family-friendly performances to heartland New Zealand.
These hour-long performances are tailor-made for intimate venues, and suitable for all ages.
The Programme: 90 minutes including a 15-minute interval
Excerpts from Bournonville’s Napoli and Flower Festival at Genzano, in beautiful traditional costumes designed by Gary Harris. Part of the RNZB’s repertoire since the 1950s, these are true classics sure to delight young and old alike.
Flames of Paris pas de deux – a virtuoso show-stopper for dancers at the top of their game, a favourite in ballet galas worldwide.
Fairy Doll pas de trois – a beautiful doll comes to life in a magical toyshop, an enchanting miniature from 19th century Vienna.
Nae Regrets – RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker is excited to introduce this work by young US choreographer Brian Enos to New Zealand audiences in 2019. Nae Regrets blends Scottish folk music with techno rhythms to create a new soundscape.
Starring Jacob Chown of the Royal NZ Ballet as "Tchaikovsky".
Intimate letters reveal the story of Tchaikovsky's greatest ballets, as told in the composer's own words. Scenes of Aurora's Wedding, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and the Marinsky Pas de Deux.
An original ballet production with magical music, enchanting images, cinematic effects, narration and all the glamour of the Russian ballet tradition.
Tutus! Glamour! The magic of Russian Ballet. A Festive Treat!
Presented by Director Louise Hawke & the Ballet Arts Company & young stars of NZ Ballet.
Empire Dance Company is proud to bring Elevate 2018.
A dance show like never before, showcasing local talent in a fun, vibrant, upbeat extravaganza! With all dance genres including ballet, hip hop and tap there will be something for everyone at this year's show. There may even be a visit from Santa during our Christmas spectacular!
Book your seats today for the family event of the year and Elevate your holiday season with the Empire Dance Company 2018 Elevate recital.
Watch the dancers of your national ballet company performing a specially curated programme of works, including classical and contemporary favourites.
Ballet's most beloved stories come to life with the Sugar Plum Fairy's famous pas de deux from The Nutcracker, and a stylish, contemporary excerpt from Swan Lake called 'Meet the Swan'.
See a selection of works by legendary choreographers, treasured by dance companies the world over, and a whimsical new work by RNZB Choreographer in Residence, Loughlan Prior.
A show not to be missed.
Artistic Director - Patricia Barker
Please note: programme is subject to change.
Wakatu Dance Theatre is delighted to present 'For the Love of Dance' directed by Peta Spooner.
This colourful fast paced performance showcases a wide variety of dance styles and music.
Over 100 dances ranging from pre-schoolers to senior students performs classical ballet, modern jazz and contemporary dance styles in a superbly choreographed and brightly costumed extravaganza. We are also delighted to showcase our young choreographers in this years showcase performance.
On her 16th birthday, a curse by the evil Carabosse causes the beautiful Princess Aurora to fall into a deep sleep for 100 years. Only the kiss of a prince could awaken her.
Set to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky, join the dancers as they take us on a dream-like journey through this classic fairy tale, complete with fairies, a magical kingdom and the opulent splendour and costumes we love from Gillian Francis, Nelson Academy of Dance.
The performance will present dance students as the featured performers in this authentic full-length ballet and this year Gillian introduces international dancer, Jordan Nelson.
Jordan began his professional career with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet in 2012.  Since then he has danced with Columbia City Ballet, Madison Ballet, Elements Contemporary Ballet, and has returned to Ballet Chicago as a guest artist. His career highlights to date are performing Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux at The Harris Theatre in Chicago, dancing Stars and Stripes and Allegro Brillante with stars of NYCB and performing in The Opera House at the Kennedy Center. This was his second season with Festival Ballet Providenc and Jordan is thrilled to have the opportunity travel in Nelson NZ to work with Gillian and her dancers!
This ballet casts a spell of delight all the way to true love's kiss! A joy for the whole family and not to be missed!
Talented performers from throughout the region perform Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Jazz numbers.
Following a successful year with performances throughout NZ, the dancers are excited to showcase their talents and what they have achieved this year, from beginners through to senior dancers looking ahead to further their dancing overseas
The Night before Christmas... follow a little girl's journey through the excitement and magic of Christmas Eve, an adventure in Toyland and her journey to the North Pole to visit Santa and his Elves.
This show promises all the excitement and magic of Christmas and is suitable for all ages. Told through the medium of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, cheerleading, hip hop and Irish dance, singing and drama performed by the students of the ASTAR Academy of the Arts.
Rebecca Bignall Boutique Dance Company will perform Excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty - a Tchaikovsky Ballet first performed in 1890. Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairy tale which involves a beautiful princess (Aurora), a sleeping enchantment, and a handsome prince. A world of romance, wonder and imperial grandeur. Gleaming with colour and fairies and story-book charm, this showcase the talents of the entire Boutique Company and brings this fairy tale to life on stage.
The Company will also showcase their award winning Contemporary/Jazz pieces.
