I went to the opening night, Friday the 9th of November, of the New Zealand School of Dance’s 40th Anniversary Graduation Season 2007. As it was such a special occassion, the School invited graduates to take part – Footnote, Black Grace, Craig Davidson, and Jane Casson. Instead of holding the performance at the School, it was held at the Opera House: having a proscenium arch and ’stately’ decor certainly added to the ocassion.

The first dance was performed by regional associates – children selected for their potential, who receive tuition to maximise such. For me, they set the tone of the whole evening – well put together and well executed.

Le Corsaire, Craig Davidson was great – I was most impressed by his jumps, turns, line, and control.

For me One Trick Pony was the pick of the contempory pieces. I like an accessible story. The dancers conveyed the storyline well. Also, this was a dance where the dancers did not use their feet: it was all done with their upper bodies, necks and faces!

Of the classical pieces, I liked La Sylphide I finally ‘got’ the interplay between The Sylphide and James. I found Romeo and Juliet intense and smoldering; though, I though the lighting levels was a little low.

A very enjoyable night; with most of the Wellington (and perhaps the New Zealand) dance community, many graduates and supporters present.

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