Imagine if you bought a new pair of shoes every Monday and had to throw them out by Sunday because they were worn through! This isn’t just a fairytale, but the reality of life in a busy ballet company. 

 

Each year the Royal New Zealand Ballet purchases more than 900 pairs of pointe shoes: the most vital tool for a professional ballet dancer. 

 

In 2026, as we re-stage our fairytale The Sleeping Beauty, the cost of purchasing pointe shoes, ‘ballet flats’ and boots will exceed $120,000. 

 

Every pair of pointe shoes is custom-made to fit the unique needs of each dancer. The right fit is vital for protecting joints, helping to prevent injuries, and allowing our dancers to perform at their very best. We work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that every dancer has the shoes that are right for them. 

 

Whether performing the demanding balances of the Rose Adagio, the filagree footwork of the fairy variations or the dazzling jumps of the Bluebird pas de deux, every moment onstage starts with the right shoes. Will you lend your support? 

Supporters who give $300 or more will receive special recognition in the Sleeping Beauty printed programme. All donors will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, including a livestreamed studio rehearsal and an invitation to see the dancers take class on stage during the Sleeping Beauty tour. 

 

Those supporters donating $2,000 or more to support dancers performing principal roles in The Sleeping Beauty will receive a pair of pointe shoes signed by the dancer of their choice, and will be invited behind the scenes at the RNZB.