Dancers coming to Wanganui this year will present two contrasting ballets - one a classic with quirks and another a traditional fairy story with costume and event.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is touring the country, with 16 dancers in each island. It's Tutus on Tour all over again - abiennial event.
They dance at the Royal Wanganui Opera House on March 30, at 7.30pm.
The programme starts with Verdi Variations, choreographed by the company's ballet master, Greg Horsman.
"It's a traditional classical ballet, with tutus and tiaras, pretty women and handsome men in costumes," interim artistic director Matz Skoog said.
There are solos, duets and trios, and the dancing is demanding.
The quirk is that the audience will become aware of untoward actions, the result of rivalry among the dancers.
"They're little silly jokes, slapsticky, but without compromising the classical choreography.
"They make it more accessible to a non-ballet audience and show we are not taking ballet that seriously ourselves."
The Variations are followed by a one-hour, one-act story ballet. It's Pinocchio, choreographed by Tony Behan and set and costumed in 19th century northern Italy.
"It's a big story and quite a dark story, but we try not to focus on that."
It was the first time Tutus on Tour had included a full production in such a small format, Mr Skoog said.
On March 30, the dancers are to have their afternoon tea provided by the Shirley McDouall School of Dance, at the Sarjeant Gallery at 3pm.
People then have a chance to watch as they limber up at the Royal Wanganui Opera House in preparation for their evening performance. Anyone wishing to watch must be seated by 4pm.
