Slick moves needed for ‘Swan Lake’

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 8

Slick moves needed for ‘Swan Lake’

Forty seconds to change tutu and head-dress is all some dancers have in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of “Swan Lake.” With so little time there is no second chance to do up a missed hook, said the company’s three Christchurch dancers.

"Every boy has a girl to change. If you miss a hook then that’s it. There is no time,” said Allan Barry, a soloist. “The ballet is much more demanding for the girls than for the boys,” said Warren Douglas, of the corps de ballet. Karin Wakefield is one of those who will be on stage in all four acts of the ballet when it opens this evening. She is a senior soloist with the company and will dance

the role of the Hungarian Princess. Allan Barry will dance two roles, those of an escort and a Spanish dancer. Warren Douglas is a Hungarian courtier.

Because of the short time for rehearsal — six weeks — the dancers have not generally alternated roles. The company has 42 dancers and uses local children and women in the production. It is only the second time “Swan Lake” has been danced in full in New Zealand. The four-centre tour has so far played to sold-out houses. Its three-night Christchurch season is booked out.

The three dancers say that the tour has gone well so far.

They have enjoyed danc-

ing the classical ballet. The set and costumes were the most beautiful she had worked with, said Karin Wakefield.

They have also appreciated the live orchestral accompaniment by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

The company’s production has been planned for two years, although rehearsal did not begin until recently. The Tchaikovsky ballet is the last this year for the company. The company will begin next year with four newly choreographed dances by New Zealanders. Warren Douglas will be back with the company next year but both Allan Barry and Karin Wakefield are leaving to try their luck with companies overseas.