The ever-popular Tutus on Tour returns to regional theatres throughout Aotearoa to mark the end of summer and the start of a brand new year of ballet-going.

Dance lovers of all ages can look forward to a programme which celebrates classical favourites and virtuoso ballet technique as well as offering a timely tribute to one of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s founding fathers. As a prelude to 2024’s major revival, Tutus on Tour will feature excerpts from Russell Kerr’s beautiful production of Swan Lake,  in the dazzling designs created by Kristian Fredrikson in 1996. Performances will include the ‘Black Swan’ pas de deux, the famous ‘Cygnets’ quartet, the graceful Pas de Trois from Act I and the grand Hungarian and Neopolitan dances, always a highlight of Act III.

Complementing the classical splendour of Swan Lake is Choreographer in Residence Shaun James Kelly’s Prismatic, inspired by Russell Kerr’s landmark Prismatic Variations, set to the music of Johannes Brahms. Commissioned to mark the RNZB’s 70th birthday in 2023, Prismatic will include all the hallmarks of Kelly’s confident choreographic style, grounded in traditional ballet technique and inspired by the rhythmic and melodics arc of the soaring score. Devilishly quick changes of direction, explosive leaps and intricate partnering will make this new piece a breathless delight.

Rounding out the programme is Clay by Alice Topp, the mesmerising, emotionally charged pas de deux which opens her acclaimed Logos, first seen in Aotearoa in 2023.

This performance is approximately 90 minutes long, including one interval.

Tutus on Tour is not available as part of 2024 subscription packages.