Part one of five from this full length television programme.
Part two of five from this full length television programme.
Part three of five from this full length television programme.
Part four of five from this full length television programme.
Part five of five from this full length television programme.
In March and April 2001 slippers met gumboots when The Royal New Zealand Ballet went on a five-week long heartland tour. The ballerinas performed in community theatres and halls in places like Twizel, Putaruru, Taihape, and Alexandra. This Gibson Group TV One documentary chronicles the challenges – injuries, fatigue, motel life, provincial performance diets (junk food, baking), dodgy stages and wiring, romance on the road – and receptive locals. The programme includes work from local choreographers to famous ballets, with music from classical to Head Like a Hole.
People in the cities think it's a bit quaint, but the turnout in a place like Putaruru [is huge]. You know people wear suits and ties and it's a big thing, probably one of the largest social events on their calendar for the year. And they arrive with a great sense of expectation, and they want to be blown out of their seats, despite the fact that the stage is 8x6m and there's not enough power.– The Royal New Zealand Ballet Company Manager Brendan Meek
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