Skelton says that some of the dances are "heavy".
"It's a serious subject and I have learned heaps about our war history. As a dancer, it has put it into perspective for me. I'm about the age now that many of these young men were when they went off to war.
"I knew bits and pieces about the war, but we can't really imagine what it was like." However, Skelton does have a connection with the war, which he only discovered while rehearsing for the ballet - his great great uncles went " one survived Passchendaele while the other died fighting in France.
Skelton says he loves dancing because it is so physical.
"I get paid for moving to music ... it's great.
"Parts of this ballet are full on and demanding so it's important to eat properly. I have a good feed afterwards and a roll out and stretch."
The band will be touring with the company to each venue on the seven-centre Salute tour.
RNZB artistic director Francesco Ventriglia says the bill includes a 20th century masterpiece by legendary Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian; two world premieres created for the company by NZ choreographers Andrew Simmons and Neil Ieremia (Black Grace); and the NZ premiere of a work by Johan Kobborg.
"This powerful programme themed around war, loss and hope is our tribute to those men and women who sacrificed so much, many of whom were the same ages as our young dancers."
Choreographer Andrew Simmons was born in Christchurch, trained at the International Ballet Academy and danced with the RNZB between 2003 and 2008 before moving to Dresden, Germany. During his time with the company, Simmons danced in a wide range and style of works " highlights including pieces in the company's contemporary repertoire by Mark Baldwin, Jorma Elo, Michael Pink and Javier de Frutos along with participating in the company's in-house choreographic workshops.
"This is an emotive ballet - it's all about the movement, there is no narrative," Simmons said.
"Some dancers are really good at creating their own stories with feeling.
"The public are really enjoying it.
"There are three solemn pieces and then a light-hearted one.
"The army band has worked really well with this ballet. They produce a powerful sound.
"I'm impressed with how they can produce huge powerful music in one scene and then change to soft and fragile moments, so different and both so fabulous."
Simmons' next project is a ballet in the UK and Italy where he plans to revisit the RNZB, which is taking Salute on tour overseas.
NZ Army Band music director Graham Hickman FTCL, AIRMTNZ, said the band was loving getting out into the provinces to perform.
"The band is made up of a group of professional musicians who take their art seriously. We tour a lot including overseas so it's nice to get out into the provinces.
"As far as I know this is the first time a brass band has accompanied a ballet. We are thoroughly enjoying it and the audience is loving it.
"The dancers have taken it very seriously and understand what they are portraying."
The show has received rave reviews from all performances.
Don't miss your chance to see ballet as you have never seen it before.
Show times
•Napier Municipal Theatre
•Wednesday at 7.30pm and Thursday 6.30pm