December 2007
RNZB Conquers China
The Royal New Zealand Ballet conquered the cultural divide during their recent tour to China, receiving glowing reviews
and packed houses.
More than 8000 people saw the RNZB perform during their sell-out 18-day tour to
Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing.
Local audiences embraced the opportunity to see the company perform Christopher Hampson’s Cinderella and the triple bill
Trinity.
“It was a fantastic tour,” said General Manager Amanda Skoog. “We were welcomed by the Chinese audiences and our hosts.
We were particularly honoured to have Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan at the opening night in Beijing. The audiences loved the
performances, and our dancers really did New Zealand proud.”
There was a strong interest from local media and the RNZB was featured in numerous newspaper articles and television
reports.
Artistic Director Gary Harris said the tour was a great boost to the company’s international profile. “The company were
in excellent form and danced beautifully. We were thrilled to have full houses. It was a great adventure. The dancers
worked hard but loved experiencing another culture.”
While in Beijing, Harris held a masterclass for local dance students. Other highlights included a tour to the Great Wall
of China, a canal trip in Suzhou and the Forbidden City in Beijing.
ENDS