The Ballet Zoo
4–5 July 2025 | Soundings Theatre, Te Papa
Step into the magical world of The Ballet Zoo – a delightful new ballet experience for children this school holidays!
Follow our lively zookeeper on a journey through the zoo in search of a missing kiwi, meeting a meeting a menagerie of fun ballet animals along the way.
Featuring bite-sized excerpts from much-loved ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Le Papillon (The Butterfly), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this interactive 30-minute performance is a perfect introduction to ballet for young audiences. 🐈🦢🦋🐷
📍 Soundings Theatre, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
📅 4–5 July 2025
🎟️ Free entry – seating is limited, arrive early to avoid disappointment
✨ Relaxed performance featuring NZSL interpretation on 4 July
👯♀️ Optional Dance workshops at Te Marae ($5 per child)- bookings essential
Recommended for ages 3–10.
Email education@rnzb.org.nz with any questions or concerns.
Dance Workshops
These Royal New Zealand Ballet Dance Workshops are a unique opportunity for children to learn ballet from RNZB Dance Educators.
These 30-45 min workshops offer a special insight into The Ballet Zoo, by the Royal New Zealand Ballet and introduce some basics such as foot and arm positions, pliés, balances, and jumps.
Suitable for children aged 3 – 10 regardless of their previous dance experience.
Choose the correct workshop for the child’s age below.
Email education@rnzb.org.nz with any questions or concerns.
Choreography
The Sleeping Beauty
after Marius Petipa
Swan Lake
Russell Kerr
Le Papillion
Marie Taglioni
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Liam Scarlett
Tane and the Kiwi
Nick and Laura Schultz
Music
The Sleeping Beauty
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Le Papillion
Jacques Offenbach
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Felix Mendelssohn
Tane and the Kiwi
Thomas Goss
Cast
Zookeeper
Jordana Arnold
Dancers
Tessa Karle
Niamh O’Meara
Ruby Ryburn
Hillary An-Roddie
Hannah Thomson
Emma Gavin
Olivia Platt
Timothy Ching
Ema Takahashi
Joshua Douglas
Rose Xu
Angus O’Connell
Catarina Estévez Collins
NZSL Interpreter
Megan Pochin
Crew
Lighting Design
Joshua Tucker-Emerson
Stage Manager
Morgan Dean
Rehearsal Directors
Clytie Campbell, Nick Schultz and Laura Schultz
Poster Design
Aimée Sullivan
Script
Lauren Byrne and Gemma Shapleski