The Royal New Zealand Ballet - Whānau Day

Your national ballet company returns to Te Papa for the annual day of fun for all ages. There are three performances of the joyful new children’s ballet Tāne and the Kiwi and you might even catch a sneak peek of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s brand-new Cinderella.

There’s also an action-packed day of free activities lined up, especially suited for primary school-aged tamariki. Enjoy dance workshops for children (including sessions for pre-schoolers), experience the magic of story-time, get colourful with face paint and crafty with ballet-themed activities.

Programme
Tāne and the Kiwi, an enchanting ballet for younger children
11.00am, 12.00pm, and 2.00pm – Soundings Theatre, Level 2 (30-minute performances)

Join us and see our dancers in action in this enchanting new production of Tāne and the Kiwi the much-loved bird with the smallest wings and the biggest heart. The story in each show is narrated by Gareth Tiopira-Waaka.

NEW – Once Upon A Ballet
12.30pm–1.00pm and 1.00pm–1.30pm – Soundings Theatre, Level 2

Choreographer Loughlan Prior introduces his brand-new ballet, Cinderella. Learn about how a much-loved fairytale is being transformed from page to stage, and the parts being played by music, costumes, lighting and magical animation to bring these famous characters to life.

First Steps
10.30am and 11.30am – Wellington Foyer, Level 2 (20-30 minute sessions)

Movement and fun especially for the little ones. No registration required. Suitable for under 5-year-olds.

Dance Workshops
10.15am–11.00am and 11.30am–12.15pm – Te Marae, Level 4 (for children aged 5–7)
1.00pm–1.45pm and 2.00pm–2.45pm, Te Marae, Level 4 (for children aged 8–10)
Booking fee $5

Explore characters, steps and scenes based on the ballet of Cinderella. Learn some simple ballet steps and positions.

Places are limited – please book now. A small number of bookings can be made on the day at the RNZB desk, Level 2.

Book your dance workshop: https://www.mynzballet.org.nz/6917

Story time – Cinderella
1.00pm, 1.30pm and 2.00pm (20 minute sessions) – StoryPlace, Level 2 (for primary school-age children)

Grab a cushion in this special storytelling venue, make yourself comfortable and enjoy a re-telling of Cinderella. Explore the art of mime and gesture while hearing this captivating tale. No registration required but limited space.

Face painting plus Free photo booth fun
10.00am–2.00pm, Wellington Foyer, Level 2

Colouring and crafts
10.00am–2.00pm, Hinetītama, Level 4 (Next to Te Marae)