It's going to be a season of classics in 2022 for the Royal New Zealand Ballet - the programme includes story ballets Cinderella and Swan Lake, as well as two dazzling showcases of shorter works.

Some of the country’s – and the world’s – most respected choreographers will touch down in theatres across the country from February, with the mixed-bill Venus Rising kicking off the season in glittering, luminous style. Alighting in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, Venus Rising features works by Royal New Zealand Ballet alumna Alice Topp, choreographer in residence Sarah Foster-Sproull, and global dance legend Twyla Tharp. 

Taking centrestage through May and June is an opulent production of Swan Lake. Influenced by the 1996 production by New Zealand ballet legend Russell Kerr, RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker is revisiting this timeless ballet to uplift the dramatic and technical brilliance of a new generation of RNZB dancers. With Tchaikovsky's romantic and instantly recognisable score, Swan Lake transports the audience from palace ballroom to lakeside in a wave of beauty and emotion. Audiences will be mesmerised by the unfolding tragedy as the dancers bring every nuance of their iconic roles to life. 

Running from August - September, Cinderella will go to the ball, reopening Wellington’s St James Theatre before heading off on a national tour. The Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella reunites the dream team of Loughlan Prior and Claire Cowan (Hansel & Gretel) to fashion a feisty, funny and fabulous new ballet. Expect highs, lows, fairy-tale endings and happy-ever-afters as Prior sprinkles a sparky, stylish twist on the classic tale, with a heroine who knows her own mind and a hero who follows his heart.

Finally, the RNZB will welcome summer with the always-popular Tutus on Tour, spinning into 11 theatres across Aotearoa from October to November.

Patricia Barker says, “The last 18 months have uncovered many truths about people in a crisis, with one of the most significant being how much we turn to the arts for escapism and joy. The arts have helped New Zealanders through lockdowns, recover from lockdowns, and helped us all realise one of the things we celebrate and hold most dear - connecting through art and performance brings people together in the most fulfilling and beautiful ways.”

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