The Royal New Zealand Ballet

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Stories for Supporters

As a valued supporter, we have created this space for you. Here, you’ll find exclusive behind-the-scenes content, special insights from our dancers and creatives, and a glimpse into the magic that happens beyond the stage.

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Stories for Supporters – Partner a Dancer: Standing Beside Our Artists

If you’ve ever read our dancers’ biographies on the RNZB website or in a programme at the theatre, you may have noticed a line beneath a lot of their names: “Partnered by…”. Behind that one line is a very real relationship, between an artist on stage and someone in the audience who has chosen to stand alongside them. Learn more about this special connection.

Stories for Supporters – Q&A with scenic artist Tina Rae Carter

Tina is currently realising Tracy Grant Lord’s extraordinary designs for our eagerly awaited new production of The Nutcracker. We sat down with Tina to learn more about her varied career, her creative process, and the work she is undertaking for The Nutcracker.

Stories for Supporters – The Nutcracker

With rehearsals beginning this week for our brand-new production of The Nutcracker, we delved into the archives to look back at past productions and the role this beloved ballet has played in RNZB’s history.

Stories for Supporters – Spotlight: Education

In 2024, the Royal New Zealand Ballet connected with thousands of young people, students, teachers and community members through a rich and far-reaching education programme. From Northland to Invercargill, online and in person, RNZB Education worked to make the world of dance accessible, inclusive and inspiring.

Stories for Supporters – Q&A with NZDC & RNZB

We caught up with three of the dancers involved in the creation of Moss Te Ururangi Patterson's Home, Land and Sea: RNZB Artist Luke Cooper, NZDC Artist ‘Isope ‘Akau'ola, and Stella Clarkson, a third-year student at the New Zealand School of Dance currently on secondment with NZDC. We asked them about their experience in the rehearsal room so far, what excites them most about the collaboration, and what Home, Land and Sea means to them.

Stories for Supporters – Q&A with Syb and Bylla

Soloist Kirby Selchow and Artist Hannah Thompson brought to life the dynamic characters Syb and Bylla in our latest production - My Brilliant Career. Read about their unique insights to role, some of their favourite moments and more.

Stories for Supporters – New musical arrangement for The Firebird

The Firebird will soar anew in 2025 with a fresh energy, and for the first time for this production, a live orchestra. RNZB Principal Conductor Hamish McKeich is creating a new arrangement of Stravinsky’s legendary score, offering audiences in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch a powerful, immersive musical experience.

Stories for Supporters – Meet the Dancers 2025

We are delighted to welcome six new dancers to the RNZB this year. Learn more about them, where they've come from and their aspirations for their careers.

Stories for Supporters – Q&A with Annaliese Macdonald

Created originally in 2021 for our Choreographic Series program, Limerance is to be enjoyed again in 2025 around the country in the Tutus on Tour performances. Learn more about its choreographer, Annaliese Macdonald, her choreographic style and inspirations and how it has been returning to the RNZB.