Annual Report 2010 - Royal New Zealand Ballet

10 / Annual Report 2010Artistic Director’s ReportThe TOWER season of From Here to ThereThree stunning works, two of which were world premiers, and the introduction of a verytalented young choreographer meant this season was one of the most satisfying mixed billprogrammes to date.One is never quite sure where a new work will go when it is being created, but with bothChristopher Hampson’s Silhouette and Andrew Simmon’s A Song in the Dark, along withA Million Kisses to My Skin, the programme came together beautifully and showed thecompany at its best.The feedback from audience members was quite astounding, particularly for A Song in theDark and the reviews couldn’t have been better if we had written them ourselves.Regardless of the box office results, it is vital that the company present programmes suchas this. Creating new work, nurturing young choreographers and presenting fresh andexciting new works on the main stage is what we are all about.Choreographic WorkshopFollowing the Easter break the dancers were busy creating works on each other for thechoreographic workshop which resulted in an informal showing at the end of April.The workshop proved to be more of a success that everyone anticipated. Choreographedby Jaered Glavin, “Lady Gaga –The Ballet”, took New Zealand by storm. Due to its slightly‘leftfield’ appeal, media interest was phenomenal. There have now been over 300,000 viewssince it was posted on YouTube giving the RNZB significant profile both here and overseas.The feedback was quite astounding.The other nine works were of varying degrees of accomplishment and finish; the favouritesbeing from Pierre Doncq and Brendan Bradshaw. Performances took place over two nightsto a ‘packed house’ in studio one.The Meridian season of CarmenDance notator, Tatiana Novaes, was with the company for six weeks re-staging the work.Choreographer, Didy Veldman, joined the company for the final two weeks of rehearsals.An excellent season for the company. Three strong casts and good solid performances fromall concerned. Didy Veldman was thrilled with the way the company worked on all levels.Although not a great choreographic work, Carmen is a good piece of theatre and I think thataudiences around the country enjoyed something a bit different. There was certainly a goodbuzz in the theatres, and the feedback from audiences and reviewers was very positive.Tom Woods conducted the season. Based in Australia, Tom is currently Music Director ofthe Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.Australia tour – Romeo and JulietThere is something about not having enough rehearsal time that gives the company anedge to its work. Both artistic staff and dancers often bemoan the length of rehearsal