Youngsters take a twirl with Russian ballet
When the Russian Imperial Ballet performs at the Royal Wanganui Opera House next week there will be a little local flavour on stage.
Twelve young dancers from the Shirley McDouall School of Dance have been invited to dance in the first part of the triple-bill Sleeping Beauty.
“They contacted us during term one and said they wanted to invite 12 dancers to perform the children’s dance for the wedding of Princess Aurora and Prince Desire,” said principal Melissa Tate.
“The dancers had to be a specific height so I started measuring our students from the most senior grade down.”
Once she had identified those with the right height requirements, Tate watched a video link of the dance and started rehearsing with the students.
“A ballet mistress from the Russian Imperial Ballet came to rehearse with us during Labour weekend and it was fantastic.” Tate said the dancers will perform by themselves before joining the Russians for the wedding dance.
“They are excited to perform and also to watch the Russian Imperial Ballet perform the other two acts.”
The triple bill also includes the one-act ballet Les Sylphides and Act III from Carmen.
Local student Makenzie Tate has another reason to celebrate — she has also been selected to dance two parts in The Nutcracker with the Royal New Zealand Ballet in Palmerston North on Wednesday, November 28.
Imperial Russian Ballet: A Russian Triple Bill, will be performed on Tuesday, November 20, at 7.30pm, at the Royal Wanganui Opera House. Tickets can be booked online at seatadvisor.com or by phoning the Opera House on 06 349 0511.