Royal New Zealand Ballet

28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini (2005)Choreography by Benjamin Millepied
Music by Johannes Brahms


Banderillero (2006)Choreography by Javier De FrutosMusic by Li Zhen-Gui, Tan Dun, Liu Wen-Jin, and Yim Hok-man

Bier Halle pas de deux (2013)Choreography by Ethan StiefelMusic by Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss

Through to You (2009)Choreography by Andrew SimmonsMusic by Arvo Pärt

An intrinsic part of the country’s national heritage, Royal New Zealand Ballet’s first Minnesota performance features Benjamin Millepied’s (from the Oscar award-winning movie Black Swan as well as newly named Artistic Director of the Paris Opera Ballet) feverish 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini. The dancers reflect the subtly shifting moods of Brahms’ equally frenetic score. Venezuelan provocateur Javier de Frutos sets the heart pounding with Banderillero, a colorful and energetic dance named for the bullfighter. The pas de deux from Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel’s brand new piece Bier Halle is a spirited and classically romantic piece inspired by a Bavarian beer hall. Former Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer Andrew Simmons returns with Through to You, a duet inspired by the song “Spiegel Im Spiegel,” which loosely translates to “mirror in the mirror.”

FREE Royal New Zealand Ballet Performance PreviewSat, Feb 8, 6:45 – 7:30 pmOrpheum Theatre