Royal New Zealand Ballet - Celebrating 60 years

As proud sponsors of the Royal New Zealand Ballet we were honoured with an invitation to attend a Parliamentary reception on 25 June to officially launch celebrations in the 60th year of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. With 30 June being the anniversary of the inaugural performance of the Ballet in 1953.

Our partners Edward Cox and Nigel Stirling were delighted to represent Gibson Sheat at the event, held in the Legislative Council Chamber at Parliament. Ministers Chris Finlayson and Tim Groser formally congratulated the RNZB on its 60thanniversary. In thanking many people for their involvement in those 60 years, Minister Finlayson made specific mention of the huge contribution of our very own Bill Sheat who for 17 years was the Chairman of the RNZB.

Tim Groser presented a print of a photograph taken in the 1920’s during the visit to New Zealand of the famous Russian Ballerina, Anna Pavlova.  As part of the event some of the fabulous routines from the Ballet’s forthcoming Swan Lake were also performed.

We now eagerly anticipate the Swan Lake season and other anniversary celebrations that are happening around this. For further details about the exciting events and open days see the RNZB website.