Rotorua in line for 2017 Royal NZ Ballet shows

SHOW: Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers Katherine Grange and Joseph Skelton in Romeo and Juliet. PHOTO/ROSS BROWN

Rotorua is in line for passion, tragedy, rhythm and energy next year, with two Royal New Zealand Ballet shows coming to town.

The first show to hit town will be Two Ballets by Roland Petit: Carmen with L'Arlesienne, on March 9 and 10 at the Civic Theatre.

Never before performed in New Zealand, these works combine explosive drama with high-voltage technique to music by Georges Bizet.

Rotorua will also be part of the Ryman Healthcare Season of Romeo and Juliet, on September 8 and 9 at the Civic Theatre.

The set and costume design will be created by three-time Academy Award winner James Acheson, creating his first ballet.

Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) artistic director Francesco Ventriglia is delighted to build on the successes of 2016, the first season programmed by him for the RNZB.

"Not only does this bold programme celebrate international talents like France's greatest-ever choreographer Roland Petit and the contemporary genius of Alexander Ekman, it's also about creating great art here in New Zealand with a new version of Romeo and Juliet.

"The talented dancers of the RNZB and I look forward to bringing you another year of world class productions. See you at the theatre."

Executive director Frances Turner is thrilled the company will visit even more New Zealand venues in 2017.

"It's a big and beautiful year which will take the incredible artists of the RNZB around New Zealand for 70 performances in 16 cities and towns.

"We are proud to be taking the highest quality art to the widest possible audience."

On-sale dates for 2017 shows are October 25 for renewing subscribers, November 7 for new subscribers and November 14 for the public.

For booking information go to www.rnzb.org.nz.

To view the Royal New Zealand Ballet 2017 season trailer visit https://vimeo.com/187280656/dce4a7ccd6.