Tutu Tuesday and RNZB's 2017 Season!
It's that time of the week! Here's Principal Dancer Misa Kuranaga rehearsing Sugar Plum Fairy in the studio for the Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker - isn't her tutu just stunning?

In other news, the Royal New Zealand Ballet released their 2017 season yesterday - and it's going to be big. 'Passion, Tragedy, Rhythm, Energy' kicks off with two ballets by 20th century choreographer Roland Petit, never before performed in New Zealand. L'Arlesienne and Carmen, both dramatic tales of temptation and obsession, are set to open on 16 February and run until 1 April.

Promotional picture for 'Carmen with L'Arlesienne', featuring Abigail Boyle and Massimo Margaria
Following 'Carmen with L'Arlesienne' is a triple bill called 'Three by Ekman'. Since audiences loved Alexander Ekman's Cacti when it was performed as a part of 2015's triple bill, 'Speed of Light', the company are bringing three of Ekman's ballets to the fore in their 2017 season. Tuplet, Episode 31, and a repeat of the acclaimed Cacti will be running from 17 May - 15 June.
But the showstopper of the year is sure to be Romeo and Juliet, the work of the company's artistic director and choreographer Francesco Ventriglia. Inspired by the classic 1968 film, the design and costumes are being worked on by Academy Award winning designer James Acheson. Set to Prokofiev's classic score, it will be the company's first production of the ballet since 2003.

Promotional picture for 'Romeo and Juliet', with dancers Katherine Grange and Joseph Skelton
In addition to this fantastic line-up, the RNZB are bringing back their popular regional tour 'Tutus on Tour', incorporating their 'Ballet in a Box' program with evening performances of the 'Tutus on Tour' repertoire, which will be released in early 2017. Check the website to see if the dancers will be stopping in your town next year: http://rnzb.org.nz/shows/tutus-on-tour/

Promotional picture for 'Tutus on Tour', featuring dancer Mayu Tanigaito
2017 also marks the 50th anniversary of The New Zealand School of Dance, which will be celebrated with three special performances on 24 and 25 November.
I can't wait! I wish I could go to all of them, but unfortunately that's unlikely. Which one would you pick?
- Selene