Backroader: Royal New Zealand Ballet visit

Last Wednesday the Royal New Zealand Ballet 'Tutus on Tour' troupe performed in the Community Centre for a large and enthusiastic audience. Leaving behind their scenery and lighting, the 'stage' was the basketball court covered in matting and we were presented with a stripped down version of the Heartland Tour (four pas de deux, a short intermission, then an entrancing version of Peter and the Wolf, followed by a question and answer session with the dancers). Unfortunately cameras weren't allowed so I can't share any photos with you - just memories of a great evening.

Tutus on Tour is a biennial event with the company splitting into two troupes which, this year, performed in 46 communities from Kaitaia to Stewart Island. Being up close to the dancers made it easier to see the dedication and hard work required to be a top-level ballet dancer; well-defined muscles, perfect timing and balance - and, despite the concentration, there were smiles on everyone's face. There was a mix of classical ballet and modern dance but Peter and the Wolf was my favourite. The only scenery was a tin trunk for a bed but the dancers, helped by Te Radar's narration, became bird, duck, cat and wolf characters, along with Peter, Grandma and the hunters - and who could forget the characters dressed completely in black body suits who morphed into trees, bird-lifters and dancers' support. I've found something a bit similar here on YouTube (opens in new window). The question and answer session was the icing on the cake; it was the final show on tour and the dancers were looking forward to a three day break before rehearsals started for the next production. Lovely that the island gave them their first standing ovation and put on superb weather as well.

Mother Nature is putting on a magnificent show of her own with the ti kouka (cabbage trees) and harakeke (flax) in flower...