Winter Season celebrates the heritage and contributions of outstanding artists from our past, present and future.
At its heart is the New Zealand premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering, performed as a centenary tribute to Southland-born ballerina Rowena Jackson and as part of Ashton Worldwide 2024–8. Completing the programme are two works created for the RNZB: Sarah Foster-Sproull’s exuberant Ultra Folly, inspired by the rhythmic energy of La Folia, and Andrea Schermoly’s Stand to Reason, a powerful tribute to the women of Aotearoa and the enduring fight for equality. Together, these three works honour legacy, connection and the timeless spirit of dance.
The Sleeping Beauty
The age-old story of the princess who pricks her finger and falls into an enchanted sleep, only to be wakened by true love, is brought to life in picture-perfect designs by Gary Harris, classical choreography and Tchaikovsky’s magical music. A touch of wizardry from Wellington’s Wētā Workshop adds to the joy and wonder, making this the perfect pre-Christmas treat for audiences of all ages.