Made to Move moves Wellington audiences, ahead of tour

Media Release

Made to Move moves Wellington audiences, ahead of tour.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s brand new production of Made to Move - Three world premieres in one night, enthralled audience members at the opening night in Wellington last week with one critic calling the triple bill “thought provoking and beautiful.”

Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel presented his first original work for the RNZB and was joined by two internationally acclaimed choreographers: Venezuelan Javier De Frutos and Christchurch-born Andrew Simmons as they each presented their unique gifts of dance for RNZB’s 60th birthday.

RNZB dancers Antonia Hewitt and Dimitri Kleioris, seen on the icon image for Made to Move, are enthusiastic about the new works: “I love the versatility involved in working with three such different ballets in one show. It is such a challenge to completely change the dance vocabulary in such short spaces of time, and it is so exhilarating to feel and perform many different emotions all in one night,” says Miss Hewitt. Mr Kleioris agrees: “What I love is that each work is filled with exciting new moves that stimulate not only your body but your mind as well."

Tonight, the acclaimed production opens in Napier’s Municipal Theatre. It then joins the Auckland Arts Festival in Auckland and Takapuna, continuing down the country to Palmerston North and Dunedin before closing in Ashburton on 24 March.

Here’s what the critics have been saying about Made to Move:

“The company, in outstanding form, deliver a night of spirited dancing in entertaining, thought provoking and beautiful works.”Ann Hunt, Dominion Post

“The Royal New Zealand Ballet continues to blaze a trail of successes with the Triple Bill evening Made to Move.” Lyne Pringle, Theatreview

About Javier De Frutos’ The Anatomy of a Passing Cloud:

‘In an outstanding cast - including Lucy Balfour, Tonia Looker, Antonia Hewitt and Loughlan Prior - Abigail Boyle and Dimitri Kleioris are exceptional.” Ann Hunt, Dominion Post

“...subtle enough to leave room for the watcher's interpretation, and meaty enough for the performers to shine dramatically.” Lyne Pringle, Theatreview

“The dancers give their all, with Abigail Boyle and Dimitri Kleioris in particular anchoring the work in strong portrayals.” Jan Bolwell, Theatreview

About Andrew Simmons’ Of Days:

“The company are a superb ensemble culminating in a sublime pas de deux by Brendan Bradshaw and Antonia Hewitt.” Ann Hunt, Dominion Post

“The Christchurch-born, Dresden-based dancer’s new work was beautiful, touching and emotional, with a strong foundation in classical ballet.” Jack Yan, Lucire

“I was spellbound by Andrew Simmons Of Days; every fibre of every muscle of the dancers alert in the work to create the most exquisite poetry.” Lyne Pringle, Theatreview

About Ethan Steifel’s Bier Halle:

“This delightful production set to the waltzes of Johann and Joseph Strauss is Stiefel's first original ballet. It augurs well for his future choreographies.” Ann Hunt, Dominion Post

“Ethan Stiefel creates a masterful ‘story ballet' with fantastic spirited dancing from the cast and happy smiles from the traditionalists in the audience.” Lyne Pringle, Theatreview

Social Media responses to Made to Move:

“Loved, loved, loved it! Three very different and equally wonderful ballets.”

“Massive show tonight. It was fantastic and a big thank you to all who brought it about. Loved the third Bier Halle piece, made me laugh and I was super impressed by everyone's skills. Well done.”

“I really loved Of Days. Could have listened to the music all night and been swept away to somewhere other worldly. It was minimal but beautiful.”

“It was so beautiful. Loved the costumes, ballet and music so much. Very moving!”

Saw "Made to Move" last night and enjoyed it all but I think that "Of Days" is the most achingly beautiful dance I have ever seen. Bravo Andrew Simmons!”

“Thanks RNZB, always magic...”

Ends

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