Theatre meets dance meets song meets the immutable power of Janet Frame’s words in award-winning Red Leap Theatre’s energetic contemporary response to Owls Do Cry.

Surprising, poetic and moving, this show delves into the sumptuous world of Frame and the Withers’ siblings — Daphne, Chicks, Toby and Francie — and their lives in small-town Aotearoa following a family tragedy.

Going beyond a direct narrative staging of the book, Red Leap and director Malia Johnston (WOW, Meremere) have created a multi- disciplinary dreamscape of wonder, filled with Frame’s rich imagery and poetry, and an extraordinary cast including Nelsonian Comfrey Sanders, award-winning choreographer/dancer Ross McCormack, and actor Arlo Gibson of Shortland Street fame.

“I’m left with sheer joy of witnessing image of beauty, light and poetry.” – Pantograph Punch

After breaking touring records in 2019 and following a further sell-out tour of Australia in 2021 with A Taste of Ireland, the all-singing, all-dancing, family-friendly treat, A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland is set to tour New Zealand in 2022!

Watch two star-crossed lovers twirl beneath the mistletoe as award-winning Irish musicians complement the world’s best Irish Dancers to deliver a heart-warming performance that will leave your feet tapping, eyes shining and your soul wanting more!

Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the traditional Celtic landscape and let the magic of Christmas in Ireland transport you to a world full of excitement and wonder - a world where energetic music and dance embody the beating heart of the festive season.

Featuring a powerful mix of traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and all your favourite carols, A Celtic Christmas combines incredible red-hot rhythms with jaw-dropping talent in an unforgettable night of storytelling, Irish charm and spectacular entertainment.

Choreographed and produced by multiple National Champion and star of Gaelforce Dance & Rhythms of Ireland, Brent Pace and World Champion and Lord of the Dance Lead Soloist, Ceili Moore, A Celtic Christmas is the star-studded spectacular you won’t want to miss this Christmas season.

“Jingle Jigs, Reels a Treat.” - Ken Longworth – The Newcastle Herald

Vast Dance Festival celebrates the combined talents of high school students in the “Top of the South” region.

The annual performance showcases students from Waimea College, Nayland College, Garin College, Motueka High School, Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls.

The objectives of Vast Dance Festival are to:
– Provide opportunities for high school students to perform in a professional environment
– Celebrate the wide range of styles taught in our region
– Provide a platform for student choreographers to share their work
– Give students practical experience with lighting, front of house, design and stage management responsibilities

Having a good time, we’re having a ball!

Wakatu Dance Theatre is known for its joyful, high energy and diverse performances with everything from ballet to jazz, and contemporary to tap, sprinkled with some musical theatre. The music covers many genres, many you’ll know and love… be prepared for some great entertainment!

This year we welcome Glenna Armstrong School of Tap and Trudy Fargher’s seniors from FADA to join us on the stage. Our dancers are so excited, come join us for a dance extravaganza!!

It’s more than just a show, it’s the Nelson Scouts Gangshow!

That’s right, our fun filled family variety show for young and old is back for another season.

Book your tickets now for an evening of well-known songs and sketches for the whole family.

Composed in 1918, The Soldier’s Tale’s first tour was cut short by the Spanish flu but it has remained a perennially popular work ever since.

Written “to be read, played and danced”, The Soldier’s Tale tells the story of the titular Soldier who makes a deal with the Devil: in exchange for the Soldier’s magic violin, the Devil will grant his every wish. This work is based on a Russian folk tale, was co-created with Swiss writer C.F. Ramuz, and gave Stravinsky the chance to display and include all of his favourite musical influences. You’ll hear tango, waltz, ragtime, Jewish klezmer, church chorales, and the Spanish paso doble all brought together in Stravinsky’s intoxicating score.

In theatres and halls across Auckland and Northland, actors, dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and an ensemble from the NZSO will present this classic tale of magic, desire and being careful what you wish for.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet returns in 2021 with their much-loved regional touring programme, Tutus on Tour, presenting an enchanting summer programme. Enjoy the ‘White Swan’ pas de deux from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake; Jules Perrot’s Pas de Quatre (1845), a gorgeous showpiece from the Romantic era; and two bold, colourful works by Andrea Schermoly and Sarah Foster-Sproull that were originally created for the Venus Rising season in 2020.

A family programme for all ages, watch the dancers of the RNZB perform their favourites works. With tickets priced at just $27-$37 for adults ($12-$22 for children) these special shows are guaranteed to sell fast – book now! Service fees apply.

In Association with Ryman Healthcare.

Schools and teachers: to find out more about Tutus in Tour for Schools and other RNZB Education opportunities in your area, click here.

So proud of what our dancers have been able to produce this year!

With fewer performance opportunities than usual, F.A. Dance Centre is thrilled to present “SPOTLIGHT”. Featuring some of the region’s top dancers performing to the best of Broadway’s Showstoppers as well as hits from movies, this show will take you on a journey.

With elegant and emotive Lyrical pieces, energetic Jazz numbers, upbeat Hip Hop, the artistry of Classical Ballet, and intricate Tap pieces from Tasman Tappers, this show certainly has something for everyone, so get your tickets now, and support performing arts. We are thrilled to be back in the “SPOTLIGHT” at the wonderful Theatre Royal again. 

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. Showcasing our Mini to Senior Students in all 4 shows.

PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE MATINEE TIMES

The Nutcracker ballet is a magical, festive, family treat about a Christmas gathering and a young girl's dream about her gift of a nutcracker transforming into a handsome young man. Her prince takes her on a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

I am Lesley Bandy, the Artistic Director of Primarily Dance. I performed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy for many years, and now I want youngsters here in Nelson/Tasman to experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's music and the spectacle of this wonderful ballet.

The new and exciting point of difference with this production is that it will be a true community and collaborative affair - involving dance students from Nelson and Top of the South onstage with professional dancers, performers from some of our diverse cultural communities adding their colour and flavour, costumes rented and fabricated in the area, and last but not least, local artists designing and fabricating the sets and props so necessary to the story and the magic of the whole ballet.