A Dancer’s Journey: Georgie Wright’s Nostalgic Leap into Ballet

As the Royal New Zealand Ballet prepares to tour its production of The Nutcracker from October 30 to December 20, 2023, Georgie Wright reflects on her own brief but memorable experience in ballet. She recalls the joy and excitement of her childhood aspirations, particularly her audition for this iconic performance, which marked a significant moment in her life.

Wright’s childhood was characterized by a deep passion for ballet. She fondly remembers her early days of training at a small community centre, where she first learned the fundamentals of dance. The thrill of performing in a sequined costume for her end-of-year recital and her father’s efforts to bring back ballet shoes from the UK were formative experiences that shaped her love for the art.

At the age of 12, Wright discovered a poster at her ballet school announcing auditions for the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2005 edition of The Nutcracker. This opportunity felt like her moment to shine, a chance to step into the spotlight just like the characters in the dance films she admired. Yet, there was a catch: the casting call sought dancers shorter than her to portray children in a reimagined version of the classic ballet.

Directed by Gary Harris, this adaptation of The Nutcracker aimed to bring a unique twist to the cherished holiday tale. The production, set in a drawing room on Christmas Eve, was designed to resonate with local audiences, incorporating elements such as a Kiwi bach and familiar wildlife, making it distinctively New Zealand.

Despite her height disadvantage, Wright attended the auditions, determined to showcase her talent. She embraced the challenge, dancing with enthusiasm and determination. To her surprise, she was cast in the production. This experience reinforced the idea that success in ballet isn’t solely reserved for those with perfect technique; it also rewards passion and effort.

Wright’s memories of the performance are somewhat hazy, akin to the fleeting nature of childhood joy. She recalls the excitement of being fitted for costumes, interacting with professional dancers backstage, and the palpable anticipation before the curtain rose. The image of her performing on stage at the St James Theatre in Wellington, surrounded by the magic of sequins and festive decorations, remains vivid in her mind.

Over time, Wright drifted away from ballet, focusing on school musicals and other forms of dance that allowed for greater flexibility. Nevertheless, her early experiences in ballet continue to resonate with her. Each time she encounters a ballet-related memory, whether it’s seeing a child in a tutu or browsing for ballet flats, those joyful feelings resurface.

Her mother, reflecting on the impact of ballet in Wright’s life, stated, “It gave you so much joy.” This sentiment captures the essence of Wright’s journey through dance—a path filled with passion, memories, and the enduring joy that ballet instilled in her.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s The Nutcracker will tour major cities including Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Napier, Auckland, and Palmerston North, offering audiences a chance to experience this beloved holiday classic. Tickets are available at rnzb.org.nz/show/the-nutcracker.