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.
2011 saw the premiere of this glorious production, with the making of the ballet immortalised, reality television-style, in the second series of The Secret Lives of Dancers. More than 42,000 people saw the production around New Zealand. Choreographer Greg Horsman left the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2012 to take up a new role at Queensland Ballet, and this production has now been staged there several times to great acclaim.
Winter Season at RNZB
Celebrate the outstanding and inspirational contribution of artists from the past, present and future with three stunning works from the Royal New Zealand Ballet!
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 legacies, connection and the timeless spirit of dance. Click here to learn more.
With our finger on the pulse for the best parking rates and tips, plus details on public transport, click here to learn more.