Dynamic, debonair spectacle marks Royal NZ Ballet’s 70th birthday

“Completing the programme is Prismatic, by Shaun James Kelly, which pays homage to a work from the 1960s, Prismatic Variations, created by esteemed founder of the company Poul Gnatt and beloved former director Russell Kerr. It is a touching and well-crafted tribute, Kelly grows in strength as a choreographer. The original backdrop by Raymond Boyce, rescued from the bowels of the archive, is dusted off and hung at the back of the stage, making this work even more special.”

Review by Lyne Pringle

70 years of ballet to the length and breadth of NZ - worth celebrating.

“The evening concluded with a true piece d’occasion, Prismatic, choreographed especially for Platinum by Shaun James Kelly.  Drawing inspiration from Poul Gnatt and Russell Kerr’s 1960 Ballet, Prismatic Variations, set to the same music, extracts from Brahms’ Variations on a theme of Haydn, and performed using Raymond Boyce’s original backcloth, this was truly an occasion of the past meeting the present and looking towards the future.  The rhythmic vitality of the score with its bubbling horns and soaring strings established the celebratory mood but anyone expecting a reconstruction of the original work for five couples would have been surprised to find the stage being progressively filled with more and more dancers until the entire company was assembled. This was a fitting climax to a generously filled evening. “

Review by Dr Ian Lochhead

An Eclectic Programme With Flare and Versatility - Tutus on Tour 2022

‘The Ground Beneath Our Feet is a great start to the show that eases the audience back into their seats to enjoy an evening of vivacious dancing. Shaun James Kelly’s choreography is eloquently crafted, weaving seamlessly in and out of solos, duets and group ensemble moments giving the piece a sense of complexity. The fast-paced choreography and intricate footwork propels the dancers through space as they glide, jump and turn, while the breathtaking partnering reveals the dancers’ supple strength, sense of abandonment and underscores their athleticism. A landmark in the piece is the moment a dancer walks backwards under a blue spotlight that counters the business of the choreography and in a way becomes a point of reflection revealing the ethos of the work. In this work there are definitely echoes of Paul Taylor’s intention to create dance that is performed with unassuming virtuosity and for the sheer beauty of it.’

Review by Sofia Kalogeropoulou

Tutus a mixed bill - Tutus on Tour 2022

‘The current Tutus programme opens with Shaun James Kelly’s The Ground Beneath our Feet, originally performed by the company in 2019 and further developed for the current tour. Danced to a Bach violin concerto arranged by former company dancer Massimo Margaria with electronic and percussion overlays, this is a vibrant work that suits the company well.  Five pairs of dancers in colour-coded costumes designed by the choreographer, combine in differing configurations in continuously evolving sequences in response to the energy of the music.  A highlight of the piece is the central slow movement, performed by Sara Garbowski and Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson, their stretched limbs evoking the yearning for growth that underpins Kelly’s concept for the work.  The final movement brings the full cast back to the stage, their energy barely contained as they slide across the floor.  It is a pleasure to see this work again and it is to be hoped that more choreographic opportunities will come Kelly’s way soon.’

Review by Dr Ian Lochhead

The legacy of Tutus on Tour well and truly alive – and then some - Tutus on Tour 2022

‘Scottish-born Shaun James Kelly’s The Ground Beneath Our Feet, wins the audience over with the fast paced, dazzling neo-classical ensemble work set to Bach’s driving Violin Concerto in G minor. Five couples are sent airborne in a sophisticated architectural choreographic design; geometric angles of legs, arms, and swooping lifts and leaps are clearly delineated on the un-adorned stage.’

Spectacular fireworks and subtle lusciousness, the RNZB are superb - Tutus on Tour 2022

’The Ground Beneath Our Feet, choreography by Shaun James Kelly, is such a joyous and spectacular opening. Set to Bach, with some subtle changes, arranged by Massimo Margaria, the interesting ‘darker’ shades created in the music gives the work contrasts, from subtle passages to driving energy. The dancers are on fire, gliding and sliding, soaring and diving, in beautiful ensemble patterns, duos and trios. Throughout, body lines are clean and clear, the movement and the music are one. There are gasps from the audience as each combination performs more intricate combinations.  The costumes (Shaun James Kelly) are contrasting subtle colours, light red, yellow, blue, purple, green. They hug and flow with the torso, showing off the amazing strength and grace of these dancers.  Kirby Selchow, Callahan Laird, Mayu Tanigaito, Laurynas Vėjalis, Madeleine Graham, Paul Mathews, Ana Gallardo Lobaina, Matthew Slattery, Georgia Baxter and Dane Head, you are all wonderful!’

Review by Tania Kopytko

RNZB presents entertaining and polished programme - Tutus On Tour 2022

‘Pared back to 10 centres, 2022’s Tutus on Tour has a full programme of five works featuring both classical and contemporary ballet. Opening the show is Choreographer in Residence Shaun James Kelly’s ‘The Ground Beneath Our Feet’ which premiered at RNZB’s Choreographic Series in 2018. As his first work for the main stage the ballet presented Kelly’s choreographic voice clearly from the outset, indulging his preferences for technically demanding partnering, swift neoclassical movement vocabulary, and signature slides en pointe. A manipulated Bach score and variety of transitions ensure the work is well-paced, light-hearted, and lively.’

Review by Brigitte Knight

Exhilarating, challenging and passionate - Royal New Zealand Ballet Tutus on Tour 2022

‘The opening ballet The Ground Beneath our Feet bursts into life and the dancers clearly relish the intricate complexities of off-centre technique, music and space that choreographer Shaun James Kelly gives them. A neoclassic style is used, set with lovely musicality to Violin Concerto in G minor by J.S Bach and the dancers bring an urgent energy with rapier sharp arabesques and super- slick pointe work, to the mix. Five fabulous couples mix and match and vie for our attention as they constantly push their own boundaries both in terms of risk and recovery. The speed and clarity are excellent. The standard for the evening is set!’

Review by Deirdre Tarrant

Smorgasbord of short dance works that will cater to everyone’s taste. - Ballet Bites 2022 RNZB

‘There is nothing quite like the swirl of the kilt and the men of the company deliver a fine display as they cavort on the lawn at Government House in front of a gorgeous Atlantic cedar.  They elegantly conjure the Celtic spirit under Busby Berkley drone shots in this buoyant offering, Alba, from choreographer Shaun James Kelly.’

Review by Lyne Pringle

Dance graduates step into the future with uplifting programme - New Zealand School of Dance Graduation Season 2021

“Completing the evening with a joyful climax is Nexus by Shaun James Kelly. It is a superb piece of choreography, matched by vibrant and sparkling dancing from second and third year classical students. Kelly lays down a huge challenge to these young dancers and they match it with relish. The work is intricate and inventive with brilliant exploration of the stage space. Kelly is a clever choreographer to watch out for.”

Review by Lyne Pringle