Review: Hansel & Gretel

The RNZB’s Hansel & Gretel is back for an end of year sweet treat. This was my first ever ballet when I moved to Wellington, and it was an utter delight to get a chance to check it out again for this year’s iteration. Choregraphed and composed by my favourite RNZB duo, Loughlan Prior and […]

Review: Romeo & Juliet

Image credit: Stephen A’Court Reviewed by Talia Carlisle What a magical place Wellington is, when you can start your evening with gin and fresh seafood at Cinderella’s for the Wellington on a Plate Launch – and pop down to the St James Theatre, home of the Royal New Zealand Ballet for their opening night of […]

Giselle by the Royal New Zealand Ballet

Giselle is a ballet I know very little about, aside from one episode of Angel and reading the synopsis on Wikipedia: The ghost-filled ballet tells the tragic, romantic story of a beautiful young peasant girl who falls for the flirtations of the deceitful and disguised nobleman Albrecht. When the ruse is revealed, the fragile Giselle dies […]

I like the St James theatre but not what was on stage

Last night we – along with a range of other fancy media types were invited by Positively Wellington Venues to have drinks & canapes and watch Rock the Ballet at the Saint James Theatre last night .  Based on the lovely people we met, and the amazing food and service we were offered (Lightly seared tuna on wonton crisps! Vegetarian […]

The not-so-secret lives of dancers

The Royal New Zealand ballet’s been getting itself all kinds of attention lately, like with their Lady Gaga dance on YouTube, and the TV show The Secret Lives of Dancers. In addition, The Nutcracker opens tonight – we’ll have a review for you next week, but if you can’t wait or can’t afford a ticket, […]