Annual Report/2011 - Royal New Zealand Ballet

6 Annual Report/2011audiences. We were thrilled that a second series was filmed during The Sleeping Beautyseason.Another major initiative from the marketing department was the launch of our onlinemagazine Ballet Secrets. Feedback has been excellent and this is a commercial activity weare keen to explore further.DevelopmentIn 2011, all the hard work paid off for the development team. Although it is with greatsadness we will farewell Meridian Energy as national sponsor in 2012, we are delightedthat TelstraClear will be picking up the mantle. To find a new corporate partner in thesedifficult financial times is a reflection of the status of the company both artistically andadministratively and I would like to take this opportunity to single out the work of DianeField, Corporate Development Manager.Meridian Energy is such a positive organisation and a real pleasure to work with. We feelproud to continue our association with this company. Hosting functions up and downthe country during Tutus on Tour and then with their chosen season The Sleeping Beautyhas been successful for both parties, and as importantly, a lot of fun. Despite making thedecision to step down as National Sponsor in 2012, Meridian will continue as a seasonsponsor – this is a wonderful endorsement of this long term partnership.TOWER continues to sponsor Tutus on Tour which this year was aimed at a family audience.Pinocchio, choreographed by New Zealander Toby Behan, enabled small town audiencesto enjoy a story ballet with full sets and costumes for the first time. The production teamand crew were, once again, the heroes of this tour, making the show ‘work’ in every typeof venue conceivable. Presented as a double bill this attracted a new audience to dancearound the country.The Lion Foundation, sole supporters of Dance Explorer, maintained their level of fundingto ensure this programme continues to flourish.Pub Charity gifted us with an incredibly generous grant, enabling us to recoup some of ourlosses in Christchurch.ASB Community Trust again supported our work in Auckland, specifically within theeducation sector and to significantly enhance our Auckland performances through theemployment of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.Education and Community2011 was a year of consolidation for our Dance Explorer team. With three full-time staffmembers whose skills perfectly complemented each other, 2011 saw them reach not onlynew levels of participation (over 18,000 New Zealanders) but the quality of what wasproduced was also at an all time high.