Tutus & Town Halls

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

Key Cast & Crew

Allan Smith

Producer

Gary Scott

Producer, Director

Jon Trimmer

Subject

Dave Gibson

Executive Producer

Irene Gardiner

Network Executive

Grant Johnson

Sound Mix