A Dancer’s Dream: Georgie Wright’s Ballet Journey with RNZB

The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) is set to bring the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to stages across Aotearoa from October 30 to December 20, 2023. This production serves not only as a festive celebration but also evokes nostalgia for those who have danced in its enchanting performances. Among them is Georgie Wright, who reflects on her own brief but impactful experience with ballet during her childhood.

Wright’s passion for ballet began at a young age, nurtured in a small community centre where she honed her skills. Her childhood memories are filled with images of wearing bright spandex costumes and practicing intricate dance sequences. At the age of twelve, she stumbled upon a pivotal moment when she found an audition notice for The Nutcracker, which she saw as her chance to shine on stage.

In stark contrast to her dreams, the audition presented a challenge: the RNZB was casting dancers shorter than Wright for the roles of children in a reimagined version of the ballet set in a Christmas Eve drawing room. This was a common theme in the ballet world, where height often determines eligibility for certain roles. Despite the setback, Wright persevered and made a memorable impression at the auditions.

“Sometimes, even in ballet, it’s not about having arches grander than the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s about going hard,” Wright noted. Her determination and expressive performance led to her securing a role, showcasing that passion can triumph over perceived limitations.

The 2005 production of The Nutcracker, directed by Gary Harris, represented a significant adaptation. It included elements unique to New Zealand, such as a Kiwi bach and characters drawn from the local landscape. This approach continues to resonate with audiences, as the RNZB adapts the classic ballet to reflect regional culture.

While specific memories of performing may be foggy, Wright cherishes the impressions left by that experience. “The hush of the audience before the curtain rose, when not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” she recalls. These moments remain vivid, alongside her excitement as she navigated the RNZB costume room and interacted with professional dancers.

As years passed, Wright moved away from ballet, shifting her focus to school musicals and other dance forms. Yet, the joy of those early experiences continues to influence her. Each time she enters a theatre or sees a child in a tutu, the memories rekindle that initial sense of happiness. Her mother aptly summarized this sentiment, stating, “It gave you so much joy.”

The RNZB’s upcoming tour of The Nutcracker promises to evoke similar feelings for audiences across cities like Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and more. Tickets are available at rnzb.org.nz/show/the-nutcracker, inviting a new generation to experience the magic of ballet intertwined with local culture and community spirit.

Through Wright’s story, the enduring impact of dance, especially in productions like The Nutcracker, becomes clear. These performances not only entertain but also forge lasting connections between the art form and those who engage with it, whether on stage or in the audience.