2020
New Commission – Cho. Loughlan Prior
$15,000 – Supported by the Auckland En Pointe Patrons
The Auckland En Pointe Patrons supported the commission, studio time and costume creation of Loughlan Prior’s new work Ultra Violet. Loughlan worked with the RNZB to create his new work, intended for premiere at the International Draft Works presentation at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London. While that performance was cancelled due to Covid-19, RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker then selected the work to be presented at the Wanaka Festival of Colour in April 2021.
Wanaka Festival Commission 2021 – Cho. Sarah Foster-Sproull
$10,000 – Supported by the Auckland En Pointe Patrons
RNZB Choreographer in Residence Sarah Foster-Sproull was commissioned to create a new work to be presented at the Wanaka Festival of Colour in April 2021. Sarah’s work The Autumn Ball dances through the circle of life with tenderness, grace and floor-filling fun. It has also been included in the RNZB’s 2022 performances of Venus Rising.
Dance Workshops at the Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
$6,000 – Supported by the Auckland En Pointe Patrons
World wide there is a growing move to provide prisoners with an experience of dance as a means of improving confidence, self esteem, and in many cases increasing self awareness. For all the participants, but especially the women, this is a unique opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment.
The RNZB’s work bringing dance into prisons was established in 2017 through dance workshops and continued with a partnership with Department of Corrections Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
Ballet in a Box
$7,000 – Supported by the Auckland En Pointe Patrons
A relaxed performance is specially tailored for those who will benefit from an informal performance environment. This includes people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a leaning difficulty. At these performances there is a more casual approach to front of house etiquette and a more relaxed attitude to noise (voluntary and involuntary) in the auditorium. The aim is to minimise patrons’ anxiety and to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable visit theatre visit.
The hour-long performance was performed on two days. Each performance was followed by an opportunity for performers and audience to meet each other. In the run up to the free performance RNZB Dance Educators facilitated workshops in South Auckland schools, preparing and engaging with students for the performance. Tailored workshops for the students from Special Needs Schools were also offered.
Mount Eden Ballet Academy Awards
$4,000 – Supported by Anonymous
The Foundation was pleased to support the Senior Ballet Award at the Mount Eden Ballet Academy competition. Over 500 dancers aged between 5 and 20 years entered the competition. Turid Revfeim, Classical Tutor from the New Zealand School of Dance and Nadia Yanowsky, RNZB Principal Dancer and the 2020 Harry Haythorne Choreographic Award winner, judged the ballet section which was of an exceptionally high standard.
South Island Ballet Awards
$4,000 – Supported by Anonymous
The Foundation was pleased to give the Christchurch Ballet Society a $4,000 donation to be used toward the South Island Ballet Awards 2021. This major event is a highlight of the South Island competition dance calendar. The awards provide a pathway for South Island dancers to further their training towards a career as a professional dancer.
Barbara Webster Memorial Scholarship
$10,000 – Supported by a bequest in memory of Barbara Webster
Establish in 2017, this scholarship provided $2,000 per annum to a classical ballet student studying at the New Zealand School of Dance, official school of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
The 2020 recipient was Chloe Jackson.
Harry Haythorne Award
Supported by the Harry Haythorne Fund
RNZB Principal Nadia Yanowsky was the recipient of the 2020 Harry Haythorne Award. EόN was Nadia’s first work with the RNZB. This classical ballet was developed at home during lockdown and Nadia completed the two pas de deux in the studios. The worked premiered at RNZB RAW in July 2020.