TWO - Royal New Zealand Ballet & BalletCollective Aotearoa

The evening begins with High Tide, a tender and reflective work choreographed by Alice Topp. This work delves into the isolating experience of fear, those shadowy companions we either outgrow or grow into. High Tide beautifully captures the ebb and flow of our internal tides, exploring how fear shapes our lives, relationships, and the world around us.

Following this, Shaun James Kelly's Two presents a poignant exploration of relationships set to the moving strains of Max Richter's "Mercy." Inspired by the fleeting moments when two birds cross paths, this piece reflects the transient yet impactful nature of human connections, whether in love, friendship, or the simple joy of shared existence.

The third act brings the timeless magic of Shakespeare to the stage with Titania and Oberon Pas de Deux from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This pas de deux, choreographed by Liam Scarlett, captures the enchanting interplay of love, jealousy, and mistaken identity that has bewitched audiences for centuries, reimagined with a fresh vibrancy and wit.

In Last Time We Spoke, BalletCollective Aotearoa presents a deeply moving reflection on absence, memory, and the rediscovery of community. Created during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah Knox’s choreography invites the audience to contemplate the significance of connection and the joy found in togetherness, even amidst isolation.

The evening concludes with Loughlan Prior’s Subtle Dances, a saucy and hypnotic exploration of the unspoken rituals of courtship. Drawing inspiration from traditional ballroom and Latin dance, this work evolves into a unique physical language, breaking down the boundaries of gender and sexuality in a captivating display of movement and emotion.