The beginnings of the Royal New Zealand Ballet
On 30 June 1953, four weeks after the coronation of the young Queen Elizabeth II, the New Zealand Ballet took its first steps onstage. Fuelled by the vision and passion of founder Poul Gnatt, and those who have followed in his determined footsteps, the young company established almost seven decades ago has put down roots, grown and flourished.
Poul Gnatt | Founder of the RNZB
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s visionary Danish founder, Poul Gnatt QSO (1923 – 95) is pictured in an iconic photograph, taken at Bethell’s Beach, Auckland c.1954. A copy of this photograph, by Keith Woods, hangs outside the studio which bears Poul’s name at the RNZB’s home at the St James Theatre.
Many early tours by the New Zealand Ballet were undertaken under the auspices of the Community Arts Service, a national network dedicated to promoting the arts in rural areas. With links to the University of New Zealand and a commitment to adult education, CAS was a vital support to many touring artists during the 1950s and through their local volunteers including billeting, helped to make dance, drama and music a viable career. Poul Gnatt is pictured at the wheel of a CAS truck in the early 1950s, essential for transporting costumes and scenery.