After last year’s sell-out season of Tutus on Tour, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is delighted to extend the company’s much-loved regional touring programme to eleven venues from Kerikeri to Gore, with thirteen performances from March – May 2019.

Sponsored by Ryman Healthcare,Tutus on Tour 2019 features a rousing mixed bill of family-friendly classical favourites and contemporary works, showcasing the extraordinary depth of talent in the RNZB from the most experienced principal dancers to the newest company members.

RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker sees Tutus on Tour as a wonderful way for the company to visit the grass roots of our nation: “We look forward to bringing the joy and ethereal magic of beautiful dance to as many audiences members as possible”.

The RNZB revisits its roots with August Bournonville’s Napoli and Flower Festival at Genzano which have been part of the company’s repertoire since the 1950s when they were staged by Danish founding Artistic Director Poul Gnatt. These beautiful traditional classics are sure to delight young and old alike.

RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker introduces the lively contemporary work Nae Regrets by award-winning choreographer Brian Enos. It is inspired by Scottish folk music and first performed by the Big Muddy Dance Company in St Louis, Missouri.

The virtuosic Flames of Paris pas de deux by Vasily Vainonen showcases dancers at the top of their game and is a favourite in ballet galas worldwide, and the enchanting Fairy Doll pas de trois from 19th century Vienna, in which a beautiful doll comes to life in a magical toyshop, is based on ETA Hoffmann’s 1815 story of The Sandman and will delight classical ballet fans.

Ryman Healthcare Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said it was a pleasure to be able to support the Tutus again this year.

“The Tutus on Tour is a practical way to get this beautiful art form out to regional New Zealanders and we’re pleased to see the tour growing. We know our residents love the ballet, and the dancers are guaranteed to delight thousands of older kiwis and their grandchildren with these beautiful classical performances. They’re in for a treat!’’

With tickets priced at just $25-$35 for adults ($10-$20 for children), and early evening starts plus some matinees, Tutus on Tour played to capacity audiences at every venue in 2018. This is a fantastic opportunity to see your national ballet company up close.  Book now to avoid disappointment!

Tutus on Tour performances:

ASHBURTON, ASHBURTON TRUST EVENTS CENTRE, MON 18 MAR

WHANGANUI, ROYAL WANGANUI OPERA HOUSE, TUE 19 MAR

OAMARU, OAMARU OPERA HOUSE, WED 20 MAR

NEW PLYMOUTH, TSB SHOWPLACE, WED 20 MAR

NELSON, NELSON THEATRE ROYAL, FRI 22 and SAT 23 MAR

HAMILTON, CLARENCE STREET THEATRE, FRI 22 MAR

TAUPO, GREAT LAKE CENTRE, MON 25 MAR

GORE, ST JAMES THEATRE, FRI 5 APR

KERIKERI, THE TURNER CENTRE, TUE 7 MAY

WHANGAREI, CAPITAINE BOUGAINVILLE THEATRE, WED 8 MAY

GISBORNE, WAR MEMORIAL THEATRE, FRI 10 and SAT 11 MAY