RNZB embarks on ultimate ‘tiki tour’ of New Zealand

Media Release – for immediate release

RNZB embarks on ultimate ‘tiki tour’ of New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet returns to its roots in its 60th birthday year with a 47 centre ultimate ‘tiki tour’ of heartland New Zealand for TOWER Tutus on Tour.

This biennial mixed bill features excerpts from five audience favourites and one brand new work and sees the dancers performing in community theatres, town halls and school gymnasiums from Kaitaia to Stewart Island.

RNZB Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel says “The 2013 edition of TOWER Tutus on Tour includes a few ‘blasts from the past’ as well as some RNZB premieres. Classical and contemporary selections are capped off with a newly created production of Peter and the Wolf. If any ballet program could define the phrase ‘something for everyone’, this show just might get as close as one can get.”

With so many towns to visit, the company splits into two touring parties to cover the country. Both tours will give audiences the chance to see the virtuosity and versatility of RNZB dancers performing 150 years of ballet in one night.

The iconic highlights and hits from the company's extensive repertoire that make up TOWER Tutus on Tour include excerpts from: Flower Festival at Genzano, FrENZy, Through to You by New Zealand choreographer Andrew Simmons, Little Improvisations, the crowd pleasing Don Quixote pas de deux, as well as a sparkling new version of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf choreographed by RNZB dancers-turned-choreographers Brendan Bradshaw and Catherine Eddy and narrated by New Zealand comedian and television personality Te Radar.

“We are the only ballet company in the word that goes to the people of smaller towns. This is a wonderful opportunity for all New Zealanders to enjoy the very best of ballet from their very own ballet company. With music from Schumann to Split Enz, amazing sets and an exceptional repertoire, TOWER Tutus on Tour ensures that New Zealand audiences from Kaitaia to Stewart Island and everywhere in between are in for a real treat” says RNZB Managing Director Amanda Skoog.

TOWER Tutus on Tour is a huge undertaking for the company. The production teams, staging, and technical crews have been researching venues and ensuring smooth logistical transitions from town to town over the last 18 months. Ensuring the full production values are met in 47 different venues is a challenge.

“We can’t undertake such an extensive tour without help,” says Amanda, “and our sincere thanks must go to our tour sponsors TOWER, national sponsors Vodafone and to every single person who has helped the Royal New Zealand Ballet to literally keep this show on the road for the last 60 years.”

TOWER Tutus on Tour is coming to a town near you 23 October through to 5 December.

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