A NZ Dance Graduation Season unlike any other

New Zealand School of Dance presents a Graduation Season unlike any other

The New Zealand School of Dance Graduation Season 2003 opens in Wellington on Guy Fawkes Night with an internationally acclaimed programme sure to electrify the senses. The Graduation Season 2003 is an exciting mix of contemporary and neo-classical works that are emotional, sensual, dynamic and whimsical.

Picture - Shanina Stoll, Photographer: Stephen A'Court

This eclectic programme opens with works by George Balanchine and Frederick Ashton, both choreographic icons of the 20th century. Balanchine's Divertimento No 15 and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and Ashton's Monotones II are vivid examples of these influential choreographers' abilities to portray melodies, rhythms and textures magically in dance.

Created in 1983, Jardi Tancat, Catalan for 'Closed Garden', is the very first ballet by Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato. Nacho Duato was acclaimed at the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2000 for his full-length work, Bach: Multiplicity, and the addition of a piece by this world-renowned choreographer is a major coup for the School.

New Zealand School of Dance graduate Raewyn Hill will present a world premiere to music by Gregorio Allegri. Raewyn's movement vocabulary and musicality are unique and her new work is bound to be both expressive and exhilarating.

Completing the programme is Kylián Study, showcasing extracts from four hauntingly beautiful ballets by choreographic trailblazer, Jirí Kylián. Danced to a montage of music by Igor Stravinsky, Leos Janacek and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart this suite of dances presents a complex, fast and thrilling theatrical experience.

The graduation season will culminate on Saturday 15th November with the graduation ceremony which is set to be a prestigious affair with Her Excellency The Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honourable Dame Silvia Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE as guest of honour for the occasion. The Governor-General will present the graduating students with their certificates and diplomas.

This season is made possible by the support of Creative New Zealand, Embassy of the United States of America, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and Qantas Airways Limited.

The season runs at Te Whaea from 5th November - 15th November (no show Monday 10th November). All evening performances are at 7.30pm with a 2.00pm matinee only on Sunday 9th November and tickets cost $15/$12. Bookings can be made by calling 04 389 9056 (automated service) or 04 380 1715.

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