Catherine Eddy in Raymonda Variations
Royal New Zealand Ballet to tour China
29 March 2007
The Royal New Zealand Ballet has been invited to perform as part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival in November. The company will also perform in Beijing and Hangzhou.
Artistic Director Gary Harris commented: "Putting our dancers on such a prestigious international stage is a fantastic opportunity. It puts us in the same league as some of the world's best dance companies who have also toured to China in recent times."
The three week tour will begin in Shanghai on 10 November. The program will include a new, lavish production of Cinderella (which will premiere in New Zealand in August) as well as a triple bill program that will include a New Zealand work and Javier De Frutos' Banderillero.
Prime Minister Helen Clark welcomed the Royal New Zealand Ballet's tour of China. "New Zealand and China enjoy a strong relationship which spans diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people links. I am delighted that the Royal New Zealand Ballet will be representing New Zealand in November."
The Royal New Zealand Ballet last toured to China in 1985.
The company is currently touring its Tutus On Tour program to 48 centres around New Zealand.
Website: http://www.nzballet.org.nz/
