Media Release Thursday 18 June

‘Snow Queen set to Delight Crowds’

Crowds can expect some spectacular surprises from the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival this Saturday. The ‘Winter Garden’ themed event will also feature one of New Zealand’s leading stilt walkers Emily Buttle, back in town to showcase her talents.

Buttle is the Director of EMPRESS Stiltdance, an international performance and design company based in Wellington. From humble foundations back in 1996 when Buttle first moved to Europe with just a silver costume and pair of stilts to her name, EMPRESS now boasts branches in both Amsterdam and Melbourne. Between the two branches and Wellington base, EMPRESS Stilt-dancers now perform in over 130 acts each year and have toured a total of 15 countries with appearances on television, newspapers and websites worldwide.

Past events include the Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong and the Closing Ceremony for the International 7’s Rugby in Wellington. Buttle is excited about adding the Dunedin Midwinter Carnival to the list.

“I’ve wanted always wanted to come down to perform in the Carnival, these types of large-scale breath-taking events are really where my heart is. I will be presenting as the ‘Snow Queen’ to fit with the ‘Winter Garden’ theme and mixing with audience members on the night. “

Along with Buttle the Midwinter Carnival will feature a host of local talent including musicians, dancers and performers. Hours of work had been undertaken to create hundreds of flower like lanterns, construct costumes and rehearse performances. The public have shown great enthusiasm for the project with a number of the lantern making workshops being fully booked.

In celebration of the winter solstice ‘Snow Queen’ Buttle will join the procession of giant handmade lanterns accompanied by musicians and dancers in elaborate costumes, set to sweep through the Octagon from 5.30pm this Saturday.

ENDS

© Scoop Media