Meticulous crafting, choregraphic intricacies, and a strong statement of unity - Royal New Zealand Ballet

“Chrysalis by Shaun James Kelly opens with five couples, each wearing a rather quirky layering of clothing that we can assume will be removed to fulfil the title. It is a sort of wry fashion parade, and the layers are whisked away to suspend on coat hangers above the dancers. A rhythmical score by Philip Glass works well and also matches the layered feeling and textural intricacies of the choreography. The final unitards worn are brightly multi- coloured.  I expected blandness to be ultimately reached, but as the curtain fell, these dancers still had vitality and a strong presence.  Humanity prevails?“

Deirdre Tarrant