Every movement during the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Bold Moves was completed with fluidity and without fault – each dancer made the entire work look seamless. Act by act you will be taken on a breathtaking journey and they save the best for last with the stunning Artifact II. Full of passion, quick footwork and daring, bold moves, the show delivers on its name. This sensational show will have you mesmerised and is certainly one not to be missed – showcasing the performers' versatility, strength and dynamic range.

Serenade is the opening dance, choreographed by George Balanchine and staged by Patricia Barker. As the lights dim and the curtain goes up, the chatter simmers down and the crowd welcomes 17 women, poised motionless on stage. The tender performance is laden with meaning and has an unspoken narrative. The deep emotion can be seen through whirling movements and awe-inspiring footwork. All movements are so graceful, with smooth transitions and each dancer appearing to be as light as a feather.

The show is then stolen by Mayu Tanigaito and Laurynas Véjalis for Flames of Paris pas de deux choreographed by Vasily Vainonen. The pair execute the number seamlessly and make it look far too easy. As they pirouette and jeté flawlessly, the act changes the mood of the evening and brings a faster pace that was pleasing to watch.

Stand to Reason is a captivating number choreographed by Andrea Schermoly. This modern and contemporary sequence celebrates the 125th anniversary of New Zealand women winning the right to vote, while also shining a light on the fact that this is not the case in all countries. Dressed all in black, the women in the limelight carry out some strong moves and dominate the stage. Everyone is captivated as they present their message – the ongoing need for change.

Artifact II, choreographed by William Forsythe, is the closing piece and an enthralling way to end the night. The stripped back stage has warm lighting set up around the dancers that allows their bold silhouettes to be seen. Centre stage we see Sara Garbowski, Simone Messmer, Joseph Skelton, Laurynas Véjalis and Kirby Selchow, who are surrounded by the rest of the company following along with a figure painted in grey. There are intermittent curtain changes throughout and each time the curtain is raised, everyone has shifted to a different position. It intrigues and builds tension as each move is executed perfectly.

You can see Bold Moves at the Isaac Theatre Royal Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September before it moves on.

rnzb.org.nz