The Secret Lives of Dancers

EVER wondered what it is like behind the scenes at the Royal New Zealand Ballet? You can finally find out.

The RNZB is lifting the lid on what happens off-stage in a new television series on TV3.
The Secret Lives of Dancers is the ultimate backstage pass for fans of New Zealand’s renowned national ballet company.

Narrated by Hilary Barry, the series goes behind the glitz and the glamour and into the dressing rooms, hotel rooms and even the dancers’ homes to expose the grueling training schedules, the fierce competition for roles, and the devastation an injury can bring for a dancer.

See how a major production comes together, from the choreography and rehearsals, to the costuming and the sets, and the logistics of touring around the country.

Filmed by production company Eyeworks over several months, episode one begins with the company’s cut-throat annual auditions – attended by hopefuls from all over the world.

We’re thrilled the Royal New Zealand Ballet has been recognised and given a prime-time spot,” says RNZB Artistic Director Gary Harris. “It’s nice to be able to give New Zealander’s an insight into what it takes to be a dancer – as you’ll see, it’s not always easy!”

The Secret Lives of Dancers begins on Tuesday 31 August at 8pm on TV3.