Christmas Ballet

Take the rare opportunity to see The Royal NZ Ballet (RNZB) performing a range of classical and contemporary highlights right here in Gisborne. Visiting a total of seven regional towns across New Zealand in 2017, the ‘Tutus On Tour’ mini tours are a great way to get a taste of all that the RNZB usually only offers to the larger cities throughout New Zealand.

Designed with a more relaxed feel the Tutus On Tour sessions are tailored towards smaller more intimate audiences and are suitable for all ages from preschoolers to adults. Although each mini-tour will vary slightly between towns accommodating differences in venues and seating arrangements, audiences will get the opportunity to observe the dancers for warm ups, through to a fully costumed performance.

Tutus On Tour Details

  • When? Wed 27 September 2017, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm.
  • Where? The Gisborne War Memorial Theatre at 159 Bright Street, Gisborne.
  • Who? The Tutus On Tour performances are suitable for all ages.

As well as offering evening performances for the general public, weekday performances will give local schools the chance to experience what it is like to be a dancer for the RNZB. The daily warm up routine is on display, along with a selection of dance snippets, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and receive answers directly from each dancer.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet Shows For 2018

The 2018 RNZB performances are to be led by Artistic Director Patricia Barker, the RNZB aims to “share the spirit and creativity of our country at home and beyond our borders” for 2018 and beyond. For those keen on seeing the real thing after watching the Royal New Zealand Ballet Gisborne Tutus On Tour taster see below for a list of the official RNZB shows scheduled for 2018.

The Ryman Healthcare Season Of The Nutcracker

On tour from the 31 October to 20 December 2018, the RNZB’s version of The Nutcracker offers up a brand new perspective on this traditional classical ballet. Offering “festive enchantment” and fun for all ages, The Nutcracker is accompanied by a live orchestra in Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland and Dunedin.

The Piano: The Ballet

On show from the 23 February to 7th April 2018, this world premiere is inspired by the iconic New Zealand film by Jane Campion is presented in association with the New Zealand Festival and the Auckland Arts Festival.

Kylián – Balanchine – Baker Dancing With Mozart

From the 31 May to the 8 July 2018 see the dazzling combination of George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián epic choreographic skills and the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a RNZB first.

Ballet PerformanceStrength And Grace: Women

Celebrating both the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand and the RNZB’s 65th birthday, two performances are on offer at the Opera House in Wellington on the 17 and 18 August 2018. Both sessions are complemented by talks and workshops, with only female choreographers contributing to the series of works curated by RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker.

Accommodation In Gisborne

Need comfortable accommodation while visiting Gisborne for the Tutus On Tour Royal New Zealand Ballet performances? Motel Oasis Gisborne provides quiet affordable rooms just a short drive from Gisborne Central. Relax in the tranquil surrounds by the solar heated pool, enjoy free unlimited WiFi and make the most of the stylish well equipped rooms.

Off season specials are available along with cooked or continental breakfasts upon request. Wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed at Motel Oasis Gisborne.

The RNZB Tutus On Tour program runs throughout the year usually beginning in March and ending in September. As Gisborne is the last of the 2017 locations (other locations included Nelson, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Timaru, Oamaru and Ashburton), the 2018 Tutus On Tour program has already been announced with performances expected to be held in Gore, Hamilton, Taupo, Whanganui, Tauranga, Oamaru and Kerikeri. With the smaller venues tickets are guaranteed to sell fast so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.