WellingtonEvents
Two Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers illuminated by warm amber light, performing in a spacious, minimalist setting.

Prepare for a year of stunning ballet — from traditional favourites to original pieces unique to Aotearoa.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) pushes boundaries with its 2025 programme. Diverse and captivating works reflect the vision and influence of artistic director Ty King-Wall. 

A ballet dancer in a blue leotard leaps into the air.
A ballerina in a pink dress in a crouched pose with a backlit spotlight.
Ballet soloist Zacharie Dun with dancers Gretchen Steimle, Ros Xu and Cadence Barrack.
Ballet dancers, Luke Cooper and soloist Kirby Selchow pose together with a backlit spotlight.

Returning to RNZB’s home in the historic St James Theatre, March sees a visit from the Scottish Ballet. The children’s book tale of a persuasive pig comes to life in the family-friendly spectacle ‘Dazzlehands’ in April. As the weather cools, ‘The Firebird’ returns to the stage set to Stravinsky’s epic score. Aotearoa’s shared heritage is explored in ‘Home, Land and Sea’. Seeing out the year with a festive spirit is ever popular ‘The Nutcracker’. The Christmas classic is sure to delight audiences with a distinctive Kiwi twist. 

The RNZB is set to inspire, inform, and connect communities throughout 2025 with its incredible and magic.

See the RNZB at St James Theatre

A collage of black and white programs for The Nutcracker performances by the New Zealand Ballet.

The Nutcracker

30 October – 8 November 2025St James Theatre

Everyone’s Christmas favourite returns to the stage. In 2025 RNZB artistic director Ty King-Wall brings a distinctly New Zealand touch to this original toy story loved around the world. Celebrating being ‘home for Christmas’ and the nostalgia of childhood holidays. Audiences will be transported from the beach in Act I to the iconic snowy Southern Alps in Act II. Designer Tracy Grant Lord brings her original and breathtaking creativity to the sets and costumes. Lighting designer Jon Buswell and POW Studios showcase some incredible visual effects. And tying it all together, the moving and magical music of Tchaikovsky.

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