The Royal New Zealand Ballet has been invited to perform at the Shanghai International Arts Festival in November, and will also perform in Beijing and Hangzhou.The Royal New Zealand Ballet has been invited to perform at the Shanghai International Arts Festival in November, and will also perform in Beijing and Hangzhou."It's hugely exciting for the company," Artistic Director Gary Harris says. "Putting our dancers on such a prestigious international stage is an 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 programme will include a new, lavish production of Cinderella, which will premiere in New Zealand in August, as well as a triple bill programme 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 that 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. As a premiere New Zealand cultural organisation, I know the Ballet's tour will bring great credit to New Zealand," Clark said.

Royal New Zealand Ballet's General Manager Amanda Skoog says the company has an excellent international reputation and touring to China will cement that reputation.

"Touring overseas is essential to enhance our artistic development and we are honoured to be invited," she says. It is wonderful to be taking New Zealand arts offshore."

The company last toured to China in 1985. At the moment, it is taking its Tutus On Tour programme to 48 centres in New Zealand.

21/3/07

Image: © Maarten Holl