Winter Season

The centrepiece of the programme is the dazzling Kingdom of the Shades act from 19th century classic La Bayadère: a celebration of perfect classical technique and a mesmerising kaleidoscope pattern of white-clad ballerinas that fills the stage with snowy tutus and moonlit wonder. Supremely challenging for the dancers and an unforgettable experience for the audience, the Kingdom of the Shades has never been performed by the RNZB. It promises to be a highlight of 2027 for dancers and audience alike.

Two contemporary works provide a cool contrast. Australian Dani Rowe’s tender For Pixie pas de deux, inspired by Nina Simone’s ‘Wild is the Wind’ and the complex and passionate love shared by the choreographer’s grandparents, was created for SFDanceworks in 2017. The New Zealand premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Fool’s Paradise (2007), with music by Joby Talbot and elegant designs by Narciso Rodriguez offers a golden vision of dancers moving through time and space in perfect harmony, at one with the music and each other.